Julie Newmar, a Hollywood actress best known for her role as Catwoman in the original "Batman" television series, noticed she had several of her personal belongings missing from her home in West Los Angeles last October. She didn't even realize that she was a victim of grand theft until she saw three of her missing items for sale on eBay.
Robert Ouriel, 48, who is an acquaintance of Newmar, stands as the main suspect involved in the theft case. He was arrested on November 19 for allegedly stealing $25,000 worth of jewelry, and then released on $50,000 bail. When Los Angeles prosecutors charged Ouriel with a felony count of grand theft on December 9, he pleaded not guilty to the charge the following day in Los Angeles criminal court.
Associated Press reports that Ouriel allegedly took the jewelry and sent the items to an Illinois pawn shop, that listed the items for sale online. He is due back at the Airport Branch Courthouse on January 13.
In California, grand theft is a felony crime, where offenders can be put in prison for up to three years. Grand theft should not be confused with petty theft, which is a lesser offense that is charged with a misdemeanor. The distinction between the two crimes usually has to do with the value of the property that was stolen. The theft of items valued at $400 or less is often charged with petty theft, where the theft of items valued to be more than $400 is a grand theft charge. In Ouriel's case, the stolen items from Newmar were valued to be at least $25,000. It's unlikely his charge will be brought down to a misdemeanor.
If you're accused of either grand theft or petty theft, it's important to talk to a skilled criminal attorney in Los Angeles for help. In such a situation, you'll want the best defense possible.
- Man Pleads not Guilty to Theft Charge (Daily News Los Angeles)
- Theft/Larceny (FindLaw)
