Florida Man Accused of Swallowing $750,000 Worth of Tiffany’s Earrings

A brazen jewelry heist in Orlando, Florida, has taken a bizarre turn after a suspect allegedly swallowed more than $750,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. earrings. The Orlando Police Department has released an image purportedly showing several objects inside the stomach of Jaythan Gilder, 32, the man taken into custody in connection with the audacious theft.

The incident unfolded last Wednesday when Gilder arrived at the Tiffany & Co. store located in the Mall at Millenia. According to a statement released by the Orlando Police Department, Gilder initially presented himself as a representative of a professional athlete. Exploiting this false pretense, he was shown several high-value pieces of jewelry, including two pairs of exquisite earrings valued at a staggering $769,500.

Police allege that Gilder then forcefully seized the earrings and fled the store, resisting an employee’s attempts to stop him. The suspect’s escape initiated a swift investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

Detectives were able to identify the getaway vehicle and determined that it was heading towards Texas. The Florida Highway Patrol was alerted and subsequently spotted the vehicle traveling on Interstate 10 in Washington County, Florida. The vehicle was noted to be driving without functioning rear lights, providing a basis for a traffic stop.

Gilder was identified as the driver and was taken into custody. During the arrest, police allege that Gilder resisted and was observed swallowing several objects believed to be the stolen Tiffany & Co. earrings. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office was brought in to assist in the investigation. Investigators secured a search warrant to attempt to recover the stolen property.

According to a report by WFLA, the arrest report indicates that Gilder claimed to represent a player on the NBA’s Orlando Magic team. A body scan revealed the presence of foreign objects inside his stomach, which were suspected to be the missing diamond earrings. The document reportedly stated that these objects would need to be collected after they passed through Gilder’s system before confirmation could be made.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the case, WFLA also reported that Gilder allegedly inquired about potential charges related to "what’s in my stomach" while at a local jail.

Gilder now faces charges of robbery with a mask and grand theft in the first degree, which involves stolen goods valued at $100,000 or more. The unusual nature of the alleged crime has garnered national attention.

Further investigation into Gilder’s past revealed a concerning pattern. The Orlando Police Department stated that a search of his criminal history uncovered a similar robbery incident at a Tiffany & Co. store in The Woodlands, Texas, in 2022. Furthermore, authorities discovered 48 outstanding warrants for Gilder out of Colorado, suggesting a history of criminal activity spanning multiple states.

The case raises a number of questions about Gilder’s motivations and the planning behind the heist. The alleged act of swallowing the stolen jewelry is particularly perplexing, as it presents significant challenges for recovery and potential health risks for the suspect.

Law enforcement officials are now faced with the delicate task of retrieving the stolen earrings while ensuring Gilder’s well-being. The recovery process will likely involve close monitoring of Gilder’s condition and careful collection of the evidence once it passes through his digestive system.

The case also highlights the vulnerability of high-end jewelry stores to sophisticated theft schemes. Despite security measures in place, determined criminals may find ways to exploit vulnerabilities and carry out audacious robberies. The incident may prompt jewelry retailers to re-evaluate their security protocols and explore additional measures to deter theft.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to gather all necessary evidence to build a strong case against Gilder. The charges he faces could result in significant prison time if he is convicted. The recovery of the stolen earrings is a key priority, both to return the valuable merchandise to its rightful owner and to use as evidence in the prosecution of Gilder.

This bizarre case involving a man who allegedly swallowed hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry continues to unfold, capturing the attention of the public and raising questions about the lengths to which criminals will go to commit their crimes. The Orlando Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are working diligently to ensure that justice is served and that the stolen property is recovered. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating theft and bringing criminals to justice.