Elderly Long Beach Woman Claims To Be International Jewel Thief
SAN DIEGO (AP) — An 80-year-old woman who claims to be an international jewel thief with a five-decade career has been convicted of stealing a pricey ring from a San Diego store.
Doris Payne of Long Beach was found guilty Wednesday of burglary and grand theft. She could face more than 5 1/2 years in prison.
Prosecutors say Payne walked away with an $8,900 diamond ring from a Macy's jewelry counter last year and told authorities she sold it.
Her attorney, Gretchen von Helms, denied that Payne was the thief seen in store video.
Payne, who was born in West Virginia, has been jailed in several states. She claims to have shoplifted jewelry from New York to Monte Carlo.
The San Diego Union-Tribune says a documentary of her life is being made and there's also talk of a possible movie.
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