On February 26, police in Orlando apprehended Jaythan Gilder, 32, who allegedly swallowed two pairs of Tiffany & Co. diamond earrings after a theft at the jewelry store. Gilder posed as an assistant to an NBA player to gain access to the store’s high-end jewelry and subsequently distracted employees before fleeing with the items. During his escape, he also dropped a diamond ring worth $587,000. After officers caught up with him, they witnessed him swallowing something believed to be the stolen earrings.
Thief Swallows $769,500 Worth of Earrings, Recovered by Florida Police
Thief Swallows $769,500 Worth of Earrings, Recovered by Florida Police
In a bizarre turn of events, Florida police have successfully retrieved expensive earrings swallowed by an alleged thief, valued at over three-quarters of a million dollars.
Following the incident, Gilder was placed under surveillance at a local hospital for more than two weeks until the earrings were expelled from his system. Orlando Police stated that the case became a prolonged waiting game, with Detective Aaron Goss remarking it turned into a "marathon, not a sprint." The stolen earrings were recovered on March 12, and Tiffany's master jeweller confirmed their authenticity by matching the serial numbers. Gilder now faces serious charges, including robbery with a mask and grand theft, and has a history of similar offenses. He currently remains in custody at the Orange County Jail.
Law enforcement officials report that Gilder has 48 outstanding warrants for his arrest in Colorado, indicating a troubled past with theft.
Law enforcement officials report that Gilder has 48 outstanding warrants for his arrest in Colorado, indicating a troubled past with theft.
