WALKER, La. — A Walker woman turned herself into the Livingston Parish Detention Center Friday after allegedly falsely claiming she had terminal cancer to raise money from the public.
Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputies received numerous complaints in January 2024 regarding Jodie Price Perault.
“The complainants told detectives that Perault falsely claimed to have terminal cancer & deceived multiple victims who donated funds for medical expenses,” said LPSO Sheriff Jason Ard in a statement.
LPSO’s investigation found that between September 2023 to January 2024, Perault posted several times on Facebook claiming to have terminal cancer with only months to live.
Several fundraisers were held and multiple people donated to Perault via Venmo and/or by other means, per LPSO.
In total, LPSO says she received nearly $2,500 from the fundraisers and donations.
“After we received complaints alleging Perault did not have cancer, an investigation began. It resulted in evidence confirming that Perault did not have terminal cancer and that she deceived the victims into donating funds to her,” said Sheriff Ard.
Perault turned herself into the Livingston Parish Detention Center and is charged with theft, illegal transmission of monetary funds. Her bond was set at $25,500. She has since bonded out.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call us at 225-686-2241 x1 or CRIMESTOPPERS at (225) 344-STOP (7867).
A booking photo was not provided due to Act No. 494, which places restrictions on mugshots released to the media for most offenses with exceptions for certain violent crimes.
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