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 an $8,900 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 5½ years in prison.
Prosecutors say Payne walked away with the diamond ring from a Macy’s jewelry counter last year and told authorities she sold it.
Her attorney 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.
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Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.