A Louisiana mayor was arrested Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a drug trafficking investigation conducted by local state authorities.
Bogalusa Mayor Tilin Truong, 25, is suspected of engaging in drug crime proceeds, solicitation of prostitutes, and misappropriation of personal property (intentionally taking or using personal property without consent). was arrested and charged.
“We do not tolerate any wrongdoing, especially by public officials,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of all of the law enforcement agencies that worked on this investigation.”
Louisiana State Police announced that the Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Bogalusa area in April 2024.
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Tilin Truong, the mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking and solicitation of prostitutes. (Washington Parish Sheriff's Office)
The operation was conducted over several months in collaboration with the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office, Mr. Murrill's office, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
The investigation revealed that DTO was suspected of being involved in the distribution of controlled dangerous substances, including opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA.
Investigators also learned that members of the organization were able to expand their reach and criminal activities by using social media platforms to distribute drugs and manage payments, police said.
Proceeds from drug sales were used to purchase firearms, some of which were distributed to individuals prohibited by law from possessing firearms, and others were allegedly connected to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area.
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The mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, was arrested Tuesday after an investigation into a drug trafficking ring. (St. Petersburg)
Law enforcement authorities obtained and executed multiple search and arrest warrants, leading to the arrest of seven alleged members of the organization.
Police also arrested 24-year-old Mackenzie Lynn Cefalu. Desaleem Wali Pittman, 24 years old. Dill S. Pittman, 22 years old. Salehar Dieng Marike Pitman, 26 years old. Tonya Renee Stage, 51 years old. and Devan Michael Williams, 28, all of Bogalusa.
Like Truong, six other suspects were also arrested for their involvement in transactions involving drug proceeds.
In addition, Cefalu, Stage, Williams, and Saleem Wali Pittman were charged with conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, and the latter was also charged with distribution of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance.
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Bogalusa City Hall (Google Maps)
All seven suspects were booked into the Washington Parish Jail.
State police said a number of other matters and individuals in connection with the investigation remain under investigation.
“We will continue to invest our time and resources in supporting Bogalusa residents,” said District Attorney Colin Sims. “It's not over yet.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, Truong's bail was set at $150,000. new FOX 8 orléans Reported.
Truong's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on this story.
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Truong, 23, will become Bogalusa mayor in 2022, ousting incumbent Wendy O'Quinn Perrette, who was elected to her first term in 2014.
By winning the election, Mr. Truong becomes one of the youngest mayors in Louisiana history, and the youngest mayor in city history. NOLA.com reported.
