Bogalusa, Louisiana – In April 2024, the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force (NVCTF) launched an extensive investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in the Bogalusa area. This investigation, which spanned several months, was a collaboration among various law enforcement agencies, including the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The findings revealed the DTO’s involvement in distributing a range of Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), such as opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA.
Investigators discovered that the Drug Trafficking Organization employed social media platforms to facilitate the distribution of CDS and to manage financial transactions, which broadened their criminal reach. The investigation also uncovered a connection between drug sales and the acquisition of firearms. Some of these firearms were reportedly supplied to individuals prohibited from legal possession, and others were associated with violent crimes in the Bogalusa vicinity.
As a result of the evidence gathered, multiple search warrants and arrest warrants were issued for several members of the DTO. Among those arrested is 25-year-old Tyrin Truong, the Mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana who faces charges for transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, unauthorized use of a moveable, and soliciting for prostitutes.
Other individuals arrested include:
- 24-year-old MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu, charged with conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I CDS.
- 24-year-old De-Saleem Wali Pittman, charged with multiple drug-related offenses.
- 22-year-old Dirul S. Pittman, 26-year-old Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman, and 51-year-old Tonya Renee Stage, all facing similar drug-related charges.
- 28-year-old Devan Michael Williams, also charged with conspiracy to distribute a Schedule I CDS.
All individuals listed will be booked into the Washington Parish Jail. The NVCTF, led by the Louisiana State Police, consists of personnel from the LSP Bureau of Investigation – Criminal Investigations Division, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, the 22nd JDC District Attorney’s Office, and various federal law enforcement agencies.
The ongoing investigation is led by the Louisiana State Police, which continues to gather information on additional individuals and matters related to this case. According to the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, “We have zero tolerance for wrongdoing, especially from public officials.” District Attorney Collin Sims also emphasized the commitment to assisting the citizens of Bogalusa, stating, “We are not finished.”
The Louisiana State Police encourages the public to report any suspicious activity. Citizens can provide tips through the secure online reporting system at www.lsp.org or contact the Louisiana State Police Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.