"Catwoman" Helps Solve Cat Burglary

KTLA News

LOS ANGELES -- The actress who played "Catwoman" on TV has helped nab an alleged jewel thief, according to police.

Actress Julie Newmar, 76, best known for her role as "Catwoman" on the 1960's "Batman" TV series, says someone stole $25,000 worth of jewelry from her West Los Angeles home last year. When she saw some of the stolen items on eBay recently, she contacted authorities.

Investigators were able to track down the alleged jewel thief. They say 48-year-old Robert Ouriel, an acquantaince of Newmar, swiped the jewelry, then sent it to an Illinois pawnbroker. The pawnbroker then tried to sell the items on eBay.

The alleged theft happened at Newmar's Westside home in late October or early November of 2008.

Ouriel was charged Wednesday with grand theft. He has been released on $50,000 bail. If convicted Ouriel faces up to three years in prison.