Southern California has certainly had its share of unusual criminals—not just for murder and violence. Here are a few notorious California burglars and bandits who made the headlines in recent years.
The Snowbird Bandit
In July 2015, Randy Adair, then age 70, was arrested for robbing five Orange County banks. In January 2016, Mr. Adair pleaded guilty to felony armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm at one of the holdups at a bank in Rancho Santa Margarita.
Known as the Snowbird Bandit because of his appearance, he was turned in when concerned family members recognized him on TV. Ironically, the alleged Snowbird Bandit was actually a veteran LAPD officer who had investigated many high-profile murder cases. In fact, in 1968, he helped arrest Sirhan Sirhan, Robert F. Kennedy’s assassin.
Two little old ladies named Doris
Not just one, but two infamous Southern California thieves are named Doris—and they’ve both had unusually long careers.
In 2012, Doris Thompson, then age 82, was arrested for allegedly burglarizing eight Torrance offices. Ms. Thompson targeted doctors’ offices, entering during normal business hours and hiding until the office closed. Then she took whatever she could find, such as cash, checks, stamps, and medical devices.
But Ms. Thompson is no stranger to crime—she was arrested in 2010 for similar burglaries. Her rap sheet is over 20 pages long, going back to 1955. She has been arrested across Southern California for disturbing the peace, forgery, and grand theft. In 1957, she was arrested in connection with a homicide, but was found to be insane and was committed to a hospital. Ms. Thompson has said that she “wouldn’t do all this nonsense” if she didn’t need the money.
The international jewel thief
Elegant and well dressed, Doris Payne stole diamonds and jewelry across the US, Paris, Milan, London, and Tokyo. She posed as a wealthy customer, trying on jewels, and taking them when the merchant was distracted.
Ms. Payne was imprisoned many times during her long career, although she escaped from custody once in the 1980s. In 2013, she was released from prison and swore she would never steal again. But, at 83, she needed money and couldn’t resist stealing a 3.5-carat, $22,500 diamond-encrusted ring in Palm Desert. Ms. Payne pleaded guilty to one felony count each of burglary and grand theft. She is the focus of a 2014 documentary, The Life and Crimes of Doris Payne.
Questions about your own case?
Theft crimes might be felonies or misdemeanors in California, and they can come with serious punishments. If you are facing burglary, robbery, or other theft charges in Southern California, you’ll have a lot of questions about what can happen with your case, what penalties you’ll face, and how your attorney will defend you.
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” way to defend a client, and Dan E. Chambers treats each of his clients as individuals. It’s crucial that you get help from an experienced theft defense attorney as soon as possible, so don’t hesitate to call Southern California’s top theft defense attorney, Dan E. Chambers. Call 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com today to make an appointment and set your mind at ease.
