Louisiana State Police Leads Drug Trafficking Investigation in Bogalusa Area

In April 2024, the Louisiana State Police Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force (NVCTF) initiated a comprehensive investigation into a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) operating in the Bogalusa area. This joint operation, conducted over several months in collaboration with the 22nd Judicial District Court District Attorney’s Office, the Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Office, and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) revealed the DTO’s involvement in the distribution of various Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS), including opioids, high-grade marijuana, THC products, and MDMA.

Investigators uncovered that members of the DTO were utilizing social media platforms to distribute CDS and manage payments, further expanding their reach and criminal activity. The investigation also determined that profits from drug sales were used to purchase firearms. Some of these firearms were funneled to individuals prohibited from legal possession, while others were linked to violent crimes in the Bogalusa area.

As a result of the evidence collected, multiple search warrants and arrest warrants have been issued for the below DTO members:

• 25-year-old Tyrin Truong of Bogalusa, Mayor of Bogalusa
o L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
o L.R.S. 14:68: Unauthorized Use of a Moveable
o L.R.S. 14:83: Soliciting for Prostitutes

• 24-year-old MacKenzie Lynn Cefalu of Bogalusa
o L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
o L.R.S. 40:979/966: Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

• 24-year-old De-Saleem Wali Pittman of Bogalusa
o L.R.S. 40:1041: Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
o L.R.S. 40:979/966: Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS
o L.R.S. 40:966A: Distribution of a Schedule II CDS

• 22-year-old Dirul S. Pittman of Bogalusa
o L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

• 26-year-old Salehal-Dien Malike Pittman of Bogalusa
o L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses

• 51-year-old Tonya Renee Stage of Bogalusa
o L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
o L.R.S. 40:979/966 Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

• 28-year-old Devan Michael Williams of Bogalusa
o L.R.S. 40:1041 Transactions Involving Proceeds from Drug Offenses
o L.R.S. 40:979/966 Conspiracy to Distribute a Schedule I CDS

All of the above subjects will be booked into the Washington Parish Jail.

The Narcotics/Violent Crime Task Force is led by the Louisiana State Police and includes 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 Louisiana State Police remains the lead investigative agency in this ongoing case. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses. A variety of other matters and individuals remain under investigation in connection with matters both separate from and related to the subject matter of today’s arrests and involve the collaborative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District.

This operation highlights the essential collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. By working together, these agencies continue to address the devastating impact of drug trafficking and violent crime within our communities.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill stated “We have zero tolerance for wrong doing, especially, from public officials. I’m very proud of all of our law enforcement agencies who worked on this investigation.”

District Attorney Collin Sims stated “We are going to continue to invest time and resources into helping the citizens of Bogalusa. We are not finished.”
The Louisiana State Police urges the public to report suspicious activity and provide tips through the secure online reporting system at www.lsp.org. Citizens can also contact the Louisiana State Police Fusion Center Hotline at 1-800-434-8007.
Contact Information:

Sergeant William Huggins
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Phone: (225) 925-6202
[email protected]