Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInBOGALUSA (WVUE) - Bogalusa mayor Tyrin Truong bonded out of jail Tuesday evening (Jan after spending most of the day behind bars following his arrest for what authorities described as his role in a sprawling drug-trafficking scheme that also involved guns and prostitutes did not comment to reporters as he left jail after posting his $150,000 bond Supporters covered him and escorted him into a waiting SUV District attorney Collin Sims updated the public on the young politician’s arrest at Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled Bogalusa City Council meeting “There was a large drug-trafficking organization operating in this area,” Sims said “My job as the DA is to prosecute based upon evidence Bogalusa mayor Tyrin Truong arrested, accused of involvement in narcotics, guns and prostitutes Troung and six other suspects were arrested Tuesday morning after what authorities said was a months-long investigation headed by the Louisiana State Police Authorities said the alleged ring sold illicit narcotics and used some profits to buy firearms then gave those guns to people who can’t legally own firearms and people who went on to use the guns to commit crimes in Bogalusa Louisiana State Police also said investigators seized opioids Sims described Tuesday’s arrests as only the first “seven of 20″ he expected in connection to the case Truong supporters at the council meeting decried the mayor’s arrest until council members ordered them to stop more of the mayor’s supporters spoke on his behalf “The charges stink and so does the warrant,” Troung’s attorney Kelvin May said “He’s not involved in drugs or prostitution at all.” Attorney General Liz Murrill said Tuesday she was aware of the case against Truong and of the politician’s arrest “He’s charged with prostitution charges and spending public money in relation to this larger RICO case,” Murrill said “It is an ongoing matter and I think you will continue to see us address problems in the city of Bogalusa.” Troung’s father said the investigation is politically motivated “They have the people that don’t like him in higher power They got him involved with this,” Truong’s father Otrevious Romel Harris said Truong posted a social media message that read See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel WGNO The City of Bogalusa is experiencing water loss at several locations and has issued a boil water advisory after multiple water main breaks occurred Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office announces seizure of Central City car wash Fiesta in Lafreniere Park for Cinco De Mayo Fest Alleged accomplice in Kansas City reporter death case will face second-degree murder charge: KPD and Ro Brown to be inducted into the Loyola University Den of Distinction Cinco de Mayo & Happy Birthday Milton at Felipe's in Old Metairie Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Felipe's in Old Metairie French Chef Delivers Lunch at NOLA French School Metairie 12-year-old has award-winning handwriting (WVUE) - Bogalusa mayor Tyrin Truong has been arrested for allegedly soliciting prostitutes and purchasing illegal drugs Washington Parish and Louisiana State Police authorities said Tuesday (Jan Truong additionally was booked into the Washington Parish jail for unauthorized use of a moveable a legal term in Louisiana that refers to intentionally taking or using someone’s personal property without their consent Louisiana State Police said in a statement that the investigation that ensnared Truong and several others was conducted over several months During the arrests of the mayor and several other suspects involved State police also say the suspects were using funds from drug sales to purchase firearms They’re also accused of using social media to facilitate purchases Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong and other suspects are booked with soliciting prostitutes & selling drugs.State Police says the group sold drugs through social media, bought guns with the profits and sold the guns - which police say were involved in crimes in Bogalusa.@FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/r62Rcq0aSX 24-year-old MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu of Bogalusa 24-year-old De-Saleem Wali Pittman of Bogalusa 26-year-old Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman of Bogalusa 28-year-old Devan Michael Williams of Bogalusa the district attorney for Washington and St said at a Bogalusa City Council meeting Tuesday night that the mayor and others arrested Tuesday morning were only “seven of 20″ expected to be arrested in the case “There was a large drug-trafficking organization that had been operating in this area,” Sims said Truong became the youngest mayor in Louisiana -- and one of the youngest ever in the country -- when he defeated two-term incumbent Wendy Perrette in 2022 at the age of 23 Truong ran partly on a platform critical of the city’s police department and even suggested it could be disbanded and replaced by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Truong’s mother told Fox 8 that she believes the accusations against her son are “bogus.” Several citizens who attended the council meeting Tuesday also expressed anger “I am not here to comment about any one individual or the evidence or anything regarding anyone individually,” Sims said at the meeting My job as the DA is to prosecute based upon evidence Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said I’m very proud of all of our law enforcement agencies who worked on this investigation.” Truong’s bond was set Tuesday afternoon at $150,000 greeted by a small crowd of cheering relatives and supporters Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong and other suspects are booked with soliciting prostitutes & selling drugs.State Police says the group sold drugs through social media, bought guns with the profits and sold the guns - which police say were involved in crimes in Bogalusa.@FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/r62Rcq0aSX the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force (NVCTF) initiated a comprehensive investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in the Bogalusa area conducted over several months in collaboration with the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) revealed the DTO’s involvement in the distribution of various Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) Investigators uncovered that members of the DTO were utilizing social media platforms to distribute CDS and manage payments further expanding their reach and criminal activity The investigation also determined that profits from drug sales were used to purchase firearms Some of these firearms were funneled to individuals prohibited from legal possession while others were linked to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area multiple search warrants and arrest warrants have been issued for the below DTO members: All of the above subjects will be booked into the Washington Parish Jail The Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force is led by the Louisiana State Police and includes personnel from the LSP Bureau of Investigation - Criminal Investigations Division the 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office and various federal law enforcement agencies The Louisiana State Police remains the lead investigative agency in this ongoing case Further details will be released as the investigation progresses A variety of other matters and individuals remain under investigation in connection with matters both separate from and related to the subject matter of today’s arrests and involve the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District This operation highlights the essential collaboration between local these agencies continue to address the devastating impact of drug trafficking and violent crime within our communities Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated “We have zero tolerance for wrong doing District Attorney Collin Sims stated “We are going to continue to invest time and resources into helping the citizens of Bogalusa The Louisiana State Police urges the public to report suspicious activity and provide tips through the secure online reporting system at www.lsp.org Citizens can also contact the Louisiana State Police Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007 Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was booked int… there are no recent results for popular commented articles Have the latest local news delivered every day so you don't miss out on updates Remembering those in our community who have passed on in recent days We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: BOGALUSA — Louisiana's attorney general expressed disappointment Tuesday in Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Troung saying he had let people down by becoming involved in a Washington Parish drug operation and accused him of dealing drugs and soliciting prostitutes and Attorney General Liz Murrill said additional people could be accused "We expect there will be more," Murrill said in New Orleans where she also provided an update on the Jan Troopers said an investigation that began in April led to the arrests of seven people Tuesday morning State Police said seven used social media platforms to deal drugs — including marijuana opioids and MDMA — and used the proceeds to purchase guns and commit other illicit activities.  Some of the guns dealt by the operation were given to people prohibited from legal possession Murrill said she was particularly disappointed in the mayor "A lot of people had a lot of hope in him as a young up-and-comer who might be able to provide leadership — and certainly that area needs it "It's beyond disappointing when a public official lets you down in that way," she said "We had a lot of hopes in him for the future He’s got a problem to work his way through right now." which also involved the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office also resulted in the arrests of the following people:  Each suspect was booked into the Washington Parish Jail Truong bonded out before the end of the day Tuesday.  Troung was the youngest mayor ever elected in the city of Bogalusa when he won at age 23   This newscast is updated weekdays at 6am A new petition to make Bourbon Street pedestrian-only now has more than 5,000 signatures The petition comes after the deadly attack on New Year's Day when a driver rammed an SUV down Bourbon Street killing 14 and injuring more than 30 others Chris Olsen, French Quarter resident and owner of the vintage stores Vice and Graft and Swamp Rags He joins us for more on the efforts to make the area safer Last week, Bogalusa mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested as part of a multi-agency drug trafficking investigation The Democrat was elected at just 23 years old becoming the youngest mayor in the city’s history ushering in a wave of hope and modernity to a community in decline Now he’s facing charges for drug offenses and soliciting sex workers Reporter for the Picayune Item Alex Moraski joins us with the latest on this investigation and what’s next for Bogalusa The new city of St. George is taking shape. After seceding from Baton Rouge in April of last year, the city now has an approved tax to fund its budget and upcoming leadership elections. But there’s some tension surrounding big proposed salaries for the city’s leaders Patrick Sloan-Turner has been covering the development of St Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Karen Henderson We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you’d like to listen to Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners The mayor of a Lousiana city has been arrested for allegedly assisting in the distribution of illegal drugs Tyrin Truong, the 25-year-old mayor of Bogalusa, has been charged with conducting transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, using someone else’s personal property (considered a “movable” under Louisiana law) without their consent and soliciting prostitutes, Lousiana State Police announced on Tuesday from public officials,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in the police’s news release USA TODAY contacted Truong and his office on Wednesday but has not received a response were subject to search and arrest warrants following an investigation done by the Louisiana State Police’s Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force State officials were looking into a drug trafficking organization in Bogalusa The operation began in April 2024 and spanned several months the task force found that members of the alleged drug trafficking organization used social media to distribute illegal substances and manage payments Investigators also found that profits from the drug sales were used to buy guns Some of the firearms were given to people prohibited from legally possessing them “We are going to continue to invest time and resources into helping the citizens of Bogalusa We are not finished,” District Attorney Collin Sims said in the release All seven individuals allegedly a part of the drug trafficking organization The six others accused of participating in the organization have either drug-related distribution or transaction charges Tyrin Truong: ‘Joy comes in the morning!’Truong is being held on a $150,000 bond, according to inmate records. Following his arrest, the mayor posted a message on his Facebook saying In 2022, Truong ran as a Democratic candidate for mayor of Bogalusa, the New Orleans Advocate reported He secured 56% of the vote and beat out incumbent Wendy O’Quin Perrette Truong has advocated for increased police presence on the city’s streets which is a stance some have attributed to Bogalusa’s lowered crime rates “We feel like violent crime as a whole is down,” Troy Tervalon, interim acting chief of the Bogalusa Police Department, told the outlet in March 2024 Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a single-vehicle crash on LA 21 near Easterling Landing Road in Washington Parish The crash claimed the life of 34-year-old Joshua J The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2014 GMC Yukon Curry failed to negotiate a left-hand curve was ejected from the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries a routine toxicology sample was obtained from Curry for analysis Tyrin Truong, mayor-elect of Bogalusa, photographed Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at his campaign office in Bogalusa. The 23-year-old political science major has unseated Bogalusa's mayor with 56 percent of the vote. (Photo by Scott Threlkeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate) Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong is deploying a familiar playbook The embattled Democratic mayor of the Washington Parish city has been sidelined since a state district judge appointed a fiscal administrator with broad power over the town's finances a little over a week ago The appointment came after revelations that the city owed more than $1 million in back-payroll taxes and auditors said its revenue might not be enough to cover its expenses This is the second time in six years Bogalusa has had a fiscal administrator With many of his duties assumed by the administrator there hasn't been much need for Truong to be around But the 25-year old hasn't slowed his social media posts where he has launched broadside after broadside against those he says are out to get him politically the City Council is working with the State to remove me from my job," he wrote on Facebook on Feb days before the administrator was appointed "When the powers that be can't beat you in the streets and at the ballot box they take it to the courtroom with lies and allegations." He has also insisted that the city has money in the bank and that the financial problems were inherited from the previous administration Truong's social media posts seem to follow the approach taken by President Donald Trump who has used online platforms to build immense political power It’s a comparison the mayor has heard before “I’ve been told that a few times,” he chuckled when I asked if it was intentional “The only reason I say stuff on social media is to get the word out.”  Truong also has a legal problem in a criminal court: He was arrested in January by Louisiana State Police on counts related to a drug-trafficking investigation though it should be noted that Truong is not charged with using or selling drugs He's accused of using proceeds from drug transactions unauthorized use of a movable and soliciting for prostitutes a charge is just an accusation; he's not been convicted of anything the product of political enmity from District Attorney Collin Sims who doesn't like him because of his work to make Bogalusa better for regular Bogalusans "I have been a target since day one because I wouldn't continue with 'business as usual' in Bogalusa," he wrote in a Jan An online fundraising campaign has been started to pay his legal fees to bring in the "best and brightest defense attorneys in the country to fight these bogus unwarranted charges," the fund's page says the fund had raised $4,200 of its $40,000 goal Whether Truong's efforts will be as successful as Trump's One key difference is the racial element: Truong is the city's first Black mayor and he has argued that the entrenched White power structure in the region would like to see him gone It can't be immediately discounted: Racism has played a long and ugly history in Bogalusa things are not likely to get better for Truong They're not likely to get better for those in his administration he predicted he'd need to cut as much as $1 million from the city's payroll to bring the finances in line Bogalusa took another hit when several water main breaks caused most of the city The resulting boil advisory remained in effect Monday morning Truong took to Facebook to say he was aware of the problem and to imply that Neilson a CPA with offices in Bogalusa and Covington "We are witnessing DOGE right here in Bogalusa with the entire city without water and many devoted people without a job within one week of being under a fiscal administrator," he wrote "This is a manufactured crisis to disregard what the voters of Bogalusa wanted." who said he has little to do while Neilson runs the city And he plans to run for reelection next year “I plan to continue my social media strategy,” he said we are going to prove we have staying power.” It remains to be seen whether Truong's approach will lead to a Trump-like comeback Faimon A. Roberts III can be reached at froberts@theadvocate.com This story is only for subscribers like you${formattedName Email notifications are only sent once a day News Tips:nolanewstips@theadvocate.com Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com SPRINGFIELD — Several members of a capital region gang were arrested by Livingston Parish deputies Deputies said Monday they arrested members of the "Motion Gang" — a "hybrid gang" in Springfield Hammond and Ponchatoula — following weeks of investigation of its members who were known to be involved in dealing drugs deputies were contacted by the Bogalusa Police Department requesting an attempt to locate gang member Ivan Fletcher after a shooting in its Bogalusa Investigators said that Fletcher began firing a handgun into a vehicle occupied by five subjects was wanted for attempted first-degree murder and Price deputies began surveilling the gang's hangout on Pardue Road Deputies added that they saw Fletcher in his car and began to follow him into Tangipahoa Parish Price and Fletcher were stopped in Hammond and arrested by Tangipahoa Parish deputies Fletcher's vehicle was then towed back to Livingston and deputies raided the gang's Pardue Road hangout in Springfield 19-year-old Dennis Mitchell and 18-year-old Alyssa Theodore Theodore was arrested on a summons for marijuana possession Deputies noted that more arrests are likely