Florida jewelry heist suspect allegedly swallowed more than $750,000 in Tiffany & Co earrings, photo shows

In a bizarre and audacious crime, a suspect allegedly swallowed over $750,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. earrings after a jewelry heist in Florida. The Orlando Police Department revealed that Jaythan Gilder, a 32-year-old man, was taken into custody last Wednesday after a dramatic chain of events. The incident began when Gilder entered the Tiffany & Co. store at the Mall at Millenia, claiming to represent a professional athlete. Store employees, seemingly unaware of his true intentions, showed him several high-value pieces of jewelry, including two pairs of earrings valued at a staggering $769,500.

Gilder’s ruse quickly turned violent as he forcefully took the earrings and fled the store, resisting attempts by an employee to stop him. The Orlando Police Department sprang into action, identifying the getaway vehicle and tracking its route toward Texas. The Florida Highway Patrol was alerted and soon spotted the vehicle traveling on Interstate 10 in Washington County without its rear lights on. A traffic stop was conducted, and Gilder was identified as the driver. However, the situation took an even more unusual turn when Gilder resisted arrest and was seen swallowing several objects believed to be the stolen earrings.

With the assistance of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, investigators obtained a search warrant to locate the stolen property. A body scan reportedly revealed foreign objects inside Gilder’s stomach, which are suspected to be the missing diamond earrings. Authorities are waiting for Gilder to pass the items naturally before confirming their identity. According to WFLA, Gilder even asked staff at the local jail if he would be charged for “what’s in my stomach,” a remark that underscores the absurdity of the situation. Gilder has since been charged with robbery with a mask and grand theft in the first degree, as the stolen goods exceed $100,000 in value.

This incident is not Gilder’s first brush with the law. A search of his criminal history revealed a strikingly similar robbery at a Tiffany & Co. store in The Woodlands, Texas, in 2022. Additionally, he has 48 outstanding warrants in Colorado, further cementing his reputation as a repeat offender. The case has drawn widespread attention due to its brazen nature and the lengths to which Gilder went to evade capture.

The Orlando Police Department’s investigation highlights the complexities of modern law enforcement, where suspects may resort to extreme measures to conceal evidence. Gilder’s decision to swallow the earrings adds a surreal twist to the crime, raising questions about the desperation and ingenuity of those who commit such acts. While authorities await the recovery of the stolen items, Gilder faces serious charges that could result in significant legal consequences.

This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating theft and ensuring justice is served. Gilder’s actions not only put innocent lives at risk but also demonstrated a disregard for the law and the value of the property he sought to steal. As the investigation continues, the public remains fascinated by the sheer audacity of the crime and the creative, albeit ill-advised, methods used by the suspect to avoid detection.