Convicted jewel thief back in custody for violating probation

Self-proclaimed international jewel thief Doris Payne was taken back into custody in an Indio court Thursday for violating probation requirements following her release from prison.

Sitting quietly in the front row of the gallery, Payne was surrounded by two armed probation officers. She wore a neat, white linen outfit with gold hoop earrings.

After listening to the prosecution and her attorney, Payne begged for mercy. She told the judge she fell ill with vertigo while in jail, so when she was released to LA County probation officers, she was confused about her responsibilities.

Payne was ordered to check in with Riverside County officers following her release. She did not. Payne and her lawyer argued that since she was present for Thursday’s hearing she was not avoiding the courts, and should be granted ability to leave on her own recognizance.

The judge declined, saying that Payne has been in and out of the court system since the 1950’s and should know that, “a release from jail does not mean a release from court orders.”

Payne was handcuffed and taken off by a bailiff.

Payne is set to appear in court for another hearing regarding the issue on October 2nd. Her bond is set at $100,000.