Les Miserables Jean Valjean spent 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. He made several attempts of escape and never made it but finally released. His imprisonment hinders his chances of refuge for the night as shown at Digne where he is repeatedly refused shelter until he arrives at Monseigneur Myriel's house, the bishop, and he welcomes him. The bishop and his take very good care of him, but all Valjean does to repay them is steal their silverware. Valjean also steals money from a little chimney sweep,Gervais. The last time that Jean Valjean is a thief he repents and under the new name of Monsieur Madel