In a daring and unusual heist, 32-year-old Jaythan Lawrence Gilder allegedly stole two pairs of diamond earrings valued at approximately $769,000 from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida. In a desperate attempt to conceal the evidence, Gilder reportedly swallowed the stolen jewelry during his arrest. ​

The Heist Unfolded

On February 26, 2025, Gilder entered the Tiffany & Co. store at the Mall at Millenia, posing as a representative for an Orlando Magic basketball player interested in purchasing high-end jewelry. This ruse granted him access to a VIP viewing room, where he was presented with two pairs of diamond earrings and a diamond ring, collectively valued at over $1 million. ​

Seizing the opportunity, Gilder grabbed the jewelry and attempted to flee. In the ensuing struggle, he dropped the diamond ring, valued at $587,000, but managed to escape with the two pairs of earrings, worth $160,000 and $609,500 respectively. ​

The Pursuit and Arrest

Law enforcement quickly identified Gilder’s vehicle and tracked it heading westbound on Interstate 10 toward Texas. Florida Highway Patrol troopers initiated a traffic stop in Washington County, during which Gilder resisted arrest but was ultimately apprehended. At the time of his arrest, the stolen earrings were not found on his person.

A Desperate Concealment

While in custody, Gilder exhibited signs of distress and reportedly asked jail staff if he would be “charged with what’s in my stomach.” A subsequent body scan revealed foreign objects in his digestive tract, believed to be the missing diamond earrings. Gilder allegedly admitted to swallowing the jewelry during his arrest, expressing regret that he “should have thrown them out the window.” ​

A History of Theft

Gilder’s criminal record extends beyond this incident. He has 48 outstanding warrants in Colorado and was linked to a similar robbery at a Tiffany & Co. store in Houston, Texas, in 2022. Forensic evidence from that case, including a single beard hair found at the scene, tied him to the theft. Over the past 13 years, Gilder has been arrested multiple times for theft-related offenses. ​

Legal Ramifications

Gilder now faces charges of first-degree grand theft and robbery with a mask. Given the substantial value of the stolen items and his extensive criminal history, he could be subject to severe penalties under Florida law. The recovery of the ingested earrings is pending, as authorities await their natural passage through Gilder’s digestive system. ​

Impact on Tiffany & Co.

This incident underscores the vulnerabilities that even high-end retailers like Tiffany & Co. face. Despite stringent security measures, the audacity and cunning of individuals like Gilder highlight the need for continuous assessment and enhancement of security protocols to protect valuable merchandise.​

The case of Jaythan Lawrence Gilder serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some individuals will go in their criminal endeavors. From impersonation and theft to the extreme act of swallowing stolen goods, Gilder’s actions reflect both desperation and a blatant disregard for the law. As the legal process unfolds, this incident will likely prompt luxury retailers to re-evaluate their security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.​

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