Who Is The 25-year-old Louisiana Mayor Allegedly Caught Up In Drug Trafficking Ring?

Scandal is sweeping one small Louisiana city after its own mayor was arrested on serious offenses. Tyrin Truong was elected mayor of Bogalusa, La. in 2022. Now, he’s been charged in connection to an alleged drug trafficking ring, according to police.

At the young age of 23, Truong made history when he was elected mayor. According to NOLA.com, the Bogalusa native won by ousting the city’s incumbent, Wendy O’Quin Perrette, to become Bogalusa’s youngest ever mayor and one of youngest mayors in Louisiana history.

The democratic nominee began his political career interning for U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay in Missouri, where he graduated from college. After moving back home to Bogalusa, Truong threw his name in the mayoral pool and won with 56 percent of the vote, NOLA.com reported.

But ironically, soon after he becoming mayor and even pushing for increased police presence in his city, the now 25-year-old finds himself on the wrong side of the law.

The Alleged Crimes and Arrest

The Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force began an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking organization in April 2024, according to CBS News. In their investigation, the task force discovered the organization was responsible for distributing opioids, marijuana, other THC products, and MDMA, and they were allegedly using social media to run the whole show.

According to officials, money made from these drug sales were allegedly used to purchase guns, some of which were even used in violent crimes across the city. After authorities uncovered the operation, arrest warrants for seven individuals were issued, including for Mayor Truong.

“We have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, especially, from public officials,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Truong was taken into custody and charged with transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, unauthorized use of a moveable, and soliciting for prostitutes, according to jail records. 

Records show he was released on $150,000 bond. After his release, Truong took to social media to thank his supporters and declare his innocence. He wrote on Facebook “If you think I ran a drug operation (and all those other accusations), you’re sadly mistaken. Those who know me, KNOW me and I’ll let God and my attorney handle the rest!”

The other six suspects face charges of transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. Three of them have been charged with conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance. Another one faces an additional charge of distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance, according to Louisiana State Police.

In a statement, District Attorney Collin Sims said “We are going to continue to invest time and resources into helping the citizens of Bogalusa. We are not finished.”