86-year-old jewel thief is back in jail for violating probation

Doris Payne held without bond in DeKalb County.

The latest arrest for notorious 86-year-old jewel thief Doris Payne has landed her behind bars for the second time this week.

Payne, who was briefly jailed Monday in Chamblee after she was arrested at a Wal-Mart on a shoplifting charge, was booked into the DeKalb County jail shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday on a probation violation charge, according to records.

Chamblee police said she stole $86.22 worth of goods Monday night from the WalMart on Chamblee Tucker Road. Payne was on probation from an earlier arrest and was wearing an electronic ankle monitor at the time. The state Department of Community Supervision, which supervises people on criminal probation, issued a statement on Payne through spokesman James Hill.

“On July 17, 2017, Doris Payne was arrested in DeKalb County for misdemeanor shoplifting. Payne is currently under the supervision of our department for a 2017 Theft by Shoplifting conviction.

“Once notified of Payne’s subsequent arrest, our officers acted swiftly to hold her accountable for the alleged criminal activity. She was instructed to report to a local Department of Community Supervision office where she was taken into custody on a probation violation warrant earlier yesterday. Payne is currently being held without bond in the DeKalb County Jail.

“DCS believes in providing offenders under our supervision with opportunities to make positive changes through individual support, programs and assistance. However, the safety of Georgia citizens and the protection of all property are our greatest concerns.” Payne, who has stolen about $2 million worth of jewelry over the past six decades, has been open about her habits of theft. She was the subject of a Netflix documentary called “The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne.”