Scandal is sweeping one small Louisiana metropolis after its personal mayor was arrested on critical offenses. Tyrin Truong was elected mayor of Bogalusa, La. in 2022. Now, he’s been charged in connection to an alleged drug trafficking ring, based on police.
On the younger age of 23, Truong made historical past when he was elected mayor. In line with NOLA.com, the Bogalusa native received by ousting the town’s incumbent, Wendy O’Quin Perrette, to turn into Bogalusa’s youngest ever mayor and considered one of youngest mayors in Louisiana historical past.
The democratic nominee started his political profession interning for U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay in Missouri, the place he graduated from school. After transferring again dwelling to Bogalusa, Truong threw his identify within the mayoral pool and received with 56 p.c of the vote, NOLA.com reported.
However mockingly, quickly after he changing into mayor and even pushing for elevated police presence in his metropolis, the now 25-year-old finds himself on the flawed aspect of the legislation.
The Alleged Crimes and Arrest
The Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Job Drive started an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking group in April 2024, based on CBS Information. Of their investigation, the duty power found the group was accountable for distributing opioids, marijuana, different THC merchandise, and MDMA, they usually had been allegedly utilizing social media to run the entire present.
In line with officers, cash constituted of these drug gross sales had been allegedly used to buy weapons, a few of which had been even utilized in violent crimes throughout the town. After authorities uncovered the operation, arrest warrants for seven people had been issued, together with for Mayor Truong.
“We now have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, particularly, from public officers,” Louisiana Legal professional Common Liz Murrill mentioned in a press release.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Truong was taken into custody and charged with transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, unauthorized use of a moveable, and asking for prostitutes, in accordance to jail information.
Information present he was launched on $150,000 bond. After his launch, Truong took to social media to thank his supporters and declare his innocence. He wrote on Fb “If you happen to suppose I ran a drug operation (and all these different accusations), you’re sadly mistaken. Those that know me, KNOW me and I’ll let God and my lawyer deal with the remainder!”
The opposite six suspects face prices of transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses. Three of them have been charged with conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I managed substance. One other one faces a further cost of distribution of a Schedule II managed substance, based on Louisiana State Police.
In a press release, District Legal professional Collin Sims mentioned “We’re going to proceed to take a position time and sources into serving to the residents of Bogalusa. We aren’t completed.”