Bogalusa Mayor Truong frees himself after being arrested for drug dealing; Prosecutor says more arrests coming

BOGALUSA, La. (WVUE) – Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong walked out of jail Tuesday night (Jan. 7) after spending most of the day behind bars following his arrest for what authorities said was his role in a widespread drug trafficking scheme that also involved guns and prostitutes .

Truong, 25, made no comment to reporters as he left prison after posting $150,000 bail. The fans covered him and led him to a waiting SUV.

District Attorney Collin Sims informed the public of the young politician’s arrest during Tuesday evening’s regularly scheduled Bogalusa City Council meeting.

“There was a large drug trafficking organization operating in this area,” Sims said. “My job as district attorney is to prosecute based on the evidence. Just proof. I don’t care who it is. It doesn’t matter.

Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong arrested on drug, weapons and prostitutes charges

Troung and six other suspects were arrested Tuesday morning after what authorities say was a months-long investigation by Louisiana State Police. Authorities said the alleged group sold illegal drugs and used some of the profits to buy firearms, then distributed them to people who could not legally possess them and to people who later used them to commit crimes in Bogalusa.

Louisiana State Police also said investigators seized opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC and MDMA during Tuesday’s arrests.

Sims described Tuesday’s arrests as just the first “seven of 20” he expected in connection with the case.

Truong’s supporters at the council meeting condemned the mayor’s arrest until council members ordered them to stop.

Outside the Washington Parish Jail, more of the mayor’s supporters spoke on his behalf.

“The charges stink, and so does the warrant,” said Troung’s attorney, Kelvin May. “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 the politician’s arrest.

“He was charged with prostitution and spending public funds in connection with a larger RICO case,” Murrill said. “This is an ongoing issue and I think you will continue to see us address issues in the city of Bogalusa.”

Troung’s father said the investigation was politically motivated.

“They have people who don’t like him in higher places. They dragged him into this case,” said Truong’s father, Otrevious Romel Harris.