Press Releases

Couple arrested for Exploitation of the Infirmed

Thursday, September 15, 2005

On Monday September 12, 2005 the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office arrested 63 year-old Paul Gumbs and 50 year-old Jacqueline Gumbs of Duson on charges of Exploitation of the Infirmed.

The Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office received notification from an attorney who represents the Victoria Akers trust fund that husband and wife Paul and Jacqueline Gumbs--who had been in charge of the trust fund monies--may have misused hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ms. Akers, who is 78 years old, is disabled and is not able to care for herself. During the investigation, detectives revealed that approximately $544,000 was taken by the Gumbs from 2000 to 2004 and used for personal items such as jewelry, gambling and luxury vehicles. This information was forwarded to the District Attorney's Office and warrants for both individuals were issued for Exploitation of the Infirmed.

Paul and Jacqueline Gumbs are presently incarcerated at the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center and each are being held on a $50,000 bond.


Lt. Craig Stansbury
Public Information Officer
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
236-5876