Florida police have recovered two sets of earrings valued at approximately Sh99.6 million after an alleged thief swallowed them in an attempt to avoid arrest. The suspect, Jaythan Gilder, 32, ingested the Tiffany & Co. diamond earrings around the time he was taken into custody on February 26.
Authorities monitored Gilder at an Orlando hospital for over a dozen days until the earrings were expelled from his system. He now faces charges of robbery with a mask and grand theft in the first degree. Once retrieved, the earrings were returned to Tiffany & Co., where they were cleaned and authenticated.
Gilder allegedly posed as an assistant to an NBA player to gain access to high-end jewelry in a VIP room at a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando. During the interaction, he reportedly distracted store employees before making off with two pairs of diamond earrings. While fleeing, he dropped a diamond ring worth approximately Sh76 million.
When law enforcement officers apprehended him later that day, they witnessed him swallowing several objects suspected to be the stolen earrings. While being transported to jail, Gilder allegedly remarked that he should have thrown the items out of the window. He later inquired whether he would be charged for the contents of his stomach.
Authorities released an X-ray that appeared to show a foreign object inside his abdomen. Due to the circumstances, police transported him to a hospital, where he was closely observed for approximately two weeks. On March 12, detectives confirmed the recovery of the final stolen earring.
Once the earrings were returned to Tiffany & Co., a master jeweler verified their authenticity by checking their serial numbers, confirming they matched the stolen pieces. Gilder is currently being held at the Orange County Jail.
Authorities allege that Gilder has a history of similar crimes. Records indicate he was involved in a 2022 robbery at a Tiffany & Co. store in Texas. Additionally, he has 48 outstanding warrants for his arrest in Colorado.
This case presented unique challenges for law enforcement. Detective Aaron Goss noted that the investigation evolved into an extended effort rather than a quick resolution. Despite the unusual circumstances, authorities were able to recover the stolen items and ensure they were returned to their rightful owner.
Gilder remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. His arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to track and apprehend individuals involved in high-profile thefts.
