Louisiana State Police arrested Bogalusa mayor Tyrin Truong on Tuesday, alleging he took part in a a drug trafficking scheme and solicited a prostitute while attending a conference in Atlanta.
Truong, is the city's youngest mayor in history and one of the youngest mayors ever in Louisiana. He unseated the town's previous mayor in 2022 after promising to replace local appointees and reduce crime in an area that has been riddled with gun violence.
Here's what to know about his political background and the allegations against him.
Who is Tyrin Truong?
Truong grew up in Bogalusa and, after graduating from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri with a degree in African American Studies, moved back to his hometown with hopes of running for public office. During his time in Missouri, he interned for Democratic U.S. Rep. Lacy Clay.
In 2022, he ran as a Democratic candidate for mayor, securing 56% of the vote to beat out incumbent Wendy O'Quin Perrette, who received just 19% of the vote.
Truong has pushed for increased police presence on the streets during his time in office, which some have credited with Bogalusa's lowered crime rates.
During last year's election season, Truong was one of three Washington Parish delegates to the August 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Controversies and political battles
Truong has stirred up political battles since his election. Before he was sworn in, he pushed for the Bogalusa Police Chief's resignation after a Black man's died in the department's custody.
The mayor came under fire in 2023 after suggesting the city dissolve its 33-officer police force and transfer its responsibilities to the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office as a way to save money. And that year, a 51-year-old man was arrested on counts of cyberstalking after police said he made threats against Truong.
Last year, he spoke out after his half-brother was arrested in January in connection with a shooting outside of a Bogalusa High School basketball game that killed one student and injured another.
"He is my half-brother," Truong told WDSU-TV at the time. "But we can't be held accountable for what a family member is doing. We all have family members doing things we are not proud of."
The young mayor also recently sparred with the city council over a budget freeze, accusing a councilmember of threatening him with a gun following an April meeting. Truong said he would press charges against the councilmember after the incident.
What is he accused of?
Truong was arrested Tuesday on counts of transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, unauthorized use of a moveable and soliciting for prostitutes, State Police said.
The allegations are part of a multi-agency drug trafficking investigation being conducted by State Police, the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney's Office, the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill's office and the Department of Environmental Quality.
Northshore District Attorney Collin Sims said Truong allegedly "organized entertainment with a prostitute" at a short-term rental he booked with public money while attending a mayor's conference in Atlanta. He also allegedly purchased drugs in Louisiana, Sims said.
Warrants have also been issued for six other Bogalusa residents related to the case, authorities said.
