Self-Proclaimed International Jewel Thief Released From Indio Jail

INDIO (CBSLA.com) — A self-proclaimed international jewel thief is a free woman Friday after being released from an Indio jail.

Doris Marie Payne had been  jailed for violating the terms of her probation. She argued that it wasn't intentional, and on Thursday, a judge agreed.

Over the past five decades, the 83-year-old Payne has been arrested about 20 times. Her final heist was in Palm Desert at El Paseo Jewelers, where she took a ring valued at $22,500.

Payne says she mostly stole to make ends meet but not always.

"There were times when I would go to stores, take my girlfriend with me to show her I could do it, make it happen and give it back," Payne said.

A documentary entitled, "The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne", has been made about her various heists.

But Payne says her life of crime is behind her.

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