Louisiana mayor arrested amid drug trafficking probe

A small southern town has found itself caught up in an unfolding scandal involving its young mayor.

As CBS News reports, Bogalusa, Louisiana, Mayor Tyrin Truong has been arrested amid an investigation into drug trafficking, a probe that has also resulted in legal exposure for a number of other individuals.

Task force probe leads to mayor's arrest

The outlet noted that the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force initiated a “comprehensive” drug trafficking probe back in April 2024, focusing on an organization known to be doing business in the state.

That investigation revealed that the suspect group was orchestrating the distribution of a range of drugs, including high-grade marijuana, MDMA, opioids, and more.

Authorities say that those involved were using social media to aid in the distribution of drugs as well as to manage funds transfers, with the proceeds used to by guns, some of which have been traced to subsequent criminal activity.

Seven arrest warrants emerged from the probe, including one for Truong, 25, who became the city's mayor back in 2022.

Truong now faces charges related to transactions using drug offense proceeds, the unauthorized use of a moveable, as well as solicitation of prostitutes.

Rapid rise to local power

Truong achieved the distinction of becoming Bogalusa's youngest-ever mayor when he unseated the town's incumbent leader, notably by campaigning on a promise to help reduce crime and gun violence, as NOLA.com explains.

The beleaguered politician is a Bogalusa native, though he attended college in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating from Washington University with an African American Studies degree.

A Democrat who took 56% of the vote in his 2022 election, Truong positioned himself as a tough-on-crime candidate who sought greater police presence on the streets of his city.

In what appears to be a staggering fall from grace, Truon was reportedly book into the Washington Parish Jail last Tuesday, awaiting the next phase of his journey through the legal system.

District Attorney Collin Sims hinted at the possibility of additional charges stemming from the probe that ensnared Truon, saying, “We are going to continue to invest time and resources into helping the citizens of Bogalusa. We are not finished.”