Florida Man Allegedly Swallows $750,000 in Stolen Tiffany & Co Earrings After Jewelry Heist

Florida Man Allegedly Swallows $750,000 in Stolen Tiffany & Co Earrings After Jewelry Heist

A suspect accused of stealing over $750,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. earrings reportedly swallowed them in a desperate attempt to conceal evidence following a brazen jewelry heist in Florida.

According to the Orlando Police Department, Jaythan Gilder, a 32-year-old man, was taken into custody last Wednesday after allegedly attempting to flee from the Mall at Millenia with the expensive jewelry. An image released by law enforcement purportedly shows several items within Gilder’s stomach after he was apprehended.

Details of the Heist Unfold

On the day of the incident, Gilder entered the Tiffany & Co. store claiming he represented a professional athlete, which allowed him access to several high-value pieces of jewelry. Officers revealed that he was shown two pairs of earrings, valued at a staggering $769,500, before the situation escalated dramatically.

As he attempted to leave, Gilder reportedly forcefully took the earrings from the employee and resisted efforts to stop him, fleeing from the store. Witnesses said the entire episode unfolded with alarming speed.

Police Response and Arrest

Following the theft, law enforcement agencies quickly coordinated efforts. Detectives utilized investigative methods to track the getaway vehicle, discovering its route heading toward Texas. Shortly after the theft transpired, the Florida Highway Patrol was alerted and spotted the vehicle operating without rear lights on Interstate 10 in Washington County.

Upon pulling over the vehicle, they identified Gilder as the driver. Reports indicate that he resisted arrest, and it was during this time that officers observed him swallowing several objects believed to be the stolen earrings.

Search for the Stolen Goods

In collaboration with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, investigators executed a search warrant to recover the stolen items. Authorities confirmed that a body scan revealed the missing diamond earrings inside Gilder’s stomach, raising questions about how the jewelry would be retrieved.

The arrest report noted that Gilder claimed to represent a player from the NBA’s Orlando Magic. However, no substantiating evidence appeared to link him to his purported client.

Legal Consequences Loom

According to WFLA, Gilder expressed concern at a local jail about the possibility of facing charges related to what remained in his stomach. The legal implications for the robbery are severe; he now faces serious charges including robbery while masked and grand theft in the first degree, involving stolen goods valued above $100,000.

The situation escalates further when reviewing Gilder’s criminal history. A previous robbery incident connected to him transpired in 2022 at a Tiffany & Co. store in The Woodlands, Texas, alongside 48 outstanding warrants from Colorado.

What Comes Next for the Jewelry and Gilder

Ultimately, the Tiffany & Co. earrings, believed to be the stolen goods Gilder ingested, require recovery after they pass through his system. Local authorities continue to investigate the case, and many questions remain regarding Gilder’s future engagements with the legal system.

This highly publicized heist not only spotlights the lengths to which individuals may go to evade capture but also raises discussions about security measures in high-end retail environments.

As this story develops, more information will emerge regarding Jaythan Gilder’s fate and the investigative procedures in place for cases involving high-value thefts. The Orlando Police Department is committed to bringing those involved in this extravagant theft to justice.