Thief Swallows $769,500 Tiffany Earrings in Bold Jewelry Heist

(LibertySociety.com) – A thief’s bold plan ended in a bizarre twist when he swallowed diamond earrings worth $769,500 in Orlando, Florida.

At a Glance

A suspect pretending to be a buyer swallowed Tiffany earrings worth nearly £600,000 during his arrest in Florida.
The suspect fled but was later arrested in Washington County, 340 miles away, thanks to security footage.
Police successfully recovered all the earrings two weeks post-theft, with the suspect being monitored in a hospital.
The suspect faces serious charges, held at the Orange County Jail.

The Daring Jewelry Heist

A suspected thief, Jaythan Gilder, believed to be posing as an assistant to an Orlando Magic player, executed an audacious theft from Tiffany & Co. Gilder convinced store employees to access a VIP room, claiming an interest in expensive jewelry. Once inside, Gilder grabbed four diamond earrings, escaped the store, and managed to flee the scene.

Using security footage, law enforcement tracked Gilder’s car across Florida, eventually apprehending him in Washington County, 340 miles from Orlando. Notably, officers found him driving without rear lights, providing a legal basis for immediate arrest. This incident highlights the capabilities and swift response of the police.

Detectives have recovered four diamond earrings from a suspected thief two weeks after he swallowed the Tiffany & Co. jewelry worth nearly $770,000 during his arrest on the side of a highway in the Florida Panhandle, authorities said Friday. https://t.co/WunV7nmO7q

— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) March 23, 2025

Unusual Recovery Operation

Upon arrest, Gilder attempted another escape, this time swallowing the earrings. This desperate measure was uncovered during his arrest as he allegedly asked, “Am I going to be charged with what is in my stomach?” True to law enforcement dedication, detectives monitored and secured the return of the earrings.

“Am I going to be charged with what is in my stomach?” – suspect .

This retrieval involved a 12-day hospital observation, ensuring the safe return of the jewelry to Tiffany & Co. The last earring emerged two weeks after the initial theft, underlining the bizarre lengths individuals might go to in concealing stolen items.

Detectives recovered four diamond earrings from a suspected thief two weeks after he gulped the Tiffany & Co. jewelry worth nearly $770,000 during his arrest on the side of a highway in the Florida Panhandle, authorities said Friday. https://t.co/Evi6TrqtXm pic.twitter.com/4tsWTkGuLx

— ABC News (@ABC) March 22, 2025

Legal Ramifications and Police Dedication

Gilder now faces serious charges, including robbery and first-degree grand theft, detained at the Orange County Jail. His crime underscores the complex challenges in recovering stolen luxury goods, but also highlights the innovation and teamwork of law enforcement agencies.

“We worked together tirelessly for days on end, taking different shifts at the hospital, leaving our families, just so we can get this case settled and Tiffany’s back their property.” – OPD Detective Tiffany Perez.

This case serves as a reminder of the lengths some may go to commit crimes and the incredible efforts of authorities to keep our communities safe. The recovery of these high-value stolen items stands as a testament to effective law enforcement strategy and dedication.