Orlando Police Detectives Recover Stolen Tiffany Diamond Earrings Worth $800K Weeks After Suspect Swallows Them

In a bizarre turn of events, at a Tiffany store last month, a man in Florida has made headlines after attempting to evade law enforcement by swallowing stolen jewelry from the esteemed Tiffany & Co. This incident not only highlights the audacity of criminals but also underscores the high stakes involved when dealing with luxury items. Detectives have recovered four diamond stud earrings, from a suspected thief, that the man swallowed.

The jewelry taken from the Tiffany store at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando in Orange County was allegedly swallowed. The earrings alone are estimated to be worth nearly $800,000, making this theft one of the most notorious in recent times. The suspect, identified as Jaythan Lawrence Gilder, found himself in a precarious situation, one that would lead to an unusual series of events that caught the attention of both the Orlando Police Law Enforcement and the public.

Detectives Describe The Grand Theft

The theft occurred at Tiffany & Co., a globally recognized luxury jewelry store known for its iconic blue boxes and exquisite diamond jewelry. The incident took place on February 26, 2025. The police report said that witnesses reported that Gilder displayed a calm demeanor posing as a representative on behalf of an Orlando magic basketball player. 

As he navigated the Tiffany store in Orlando, he was seemingly browsing before executing his plan. He asked staff to view some high dollar amount worth of Tiffany jewelry pieces and was directed to a private VIP room to view diamond earrings and a diamond ring, and the man allegedly grabbed the jewelry and tried to run out of the store. 

The Orlando Police Department said items stolen were described as being particularly stunning, featuring high carat diamonds set in platinum, which are emblematic of Tiffany's luxury brand. The audacity of the theft left both customers and employees shocked, as the value of the jewelry stolen was not only significant but also a representation of the brand's prestige.

Traffic Stop By The Orlando Police Department

Just days after the theft, the Florida Highway Patrol had a breakthrough when they spotted Gilder, a Texas man, driving a stolen vehicle in the Florida panhandle. Soon after, officers initiated a traffic stop on Gilder's car, suspecting its connection to the recent theft. During the stop, officers approached the vehicle cautiously, recognizing the potential danger posed by a suspect involved in a high-value crime.

Initially, Gilder complied with the officers' requests; however, as the interaction unfolded, he became increasingly anxious. Officers began to question him about his whereabouts and the vehicle he was driving. It was during this tense moment that Gilder's nerves would lead him to make a drastic decision to evade capture. 

Jaythan Gilder Swallowed Stolen Tiffany Earrings Before Police Arrest

In a desperate attempt to conceal evidence of his crime, Gilder made the shocking choice to swallow several pieces of stolen jewelry while officers were distracted. The swallowing incident occurred shortly after he was pulled over, effectively sealing his fate. Police said that Gilder appeared to be panicking as he gulped down the valuable diamonds, realizing that his actions could lead to severe consequences.

This unexpected twist unfolded on the same day as the traffic stop as he was pulled over for driving without rear lights and taken to Orange County Jail. This created a timeline of events that would challenge law enforcement in their recovery efforts.

After the swallowing incident, the man was taken into custody and officers immediately recognized that they had a unique and delicate situation on their hands. They quickly called for medical assistance to ensure Gilder's safety and to investigate the possibility of recovering the stolen items.

Diamond Earring Recovery Efforts

Following the swallowing incident, Gilder was transported to a local hospital where medical staff monitored his condition. The police were determined to recover what was believed to be the stolen jewelry, and their efforts would span several days.

According to an arrest report, on March 10, 2025, hospital staff were able to recover three of the four earrings that Gilder had ingested. This was accomplished through a combination of medical examination and X-rays, which revealed the presence of foreign objects in his digestive system.

Recovery of the diamond stud earrings by Florida police was a significant success for law enforcement, but the challenges were far from over. Gilder was still in the hospital under observation, and the police continued to work with medical personnel to ensure that the remaining stolen items could be retrieved safely. Recovered on March 12, 2025, further efforts led to the recovery of another piece of jewelry that Gilder had swallowed. 

Detectives said the entire operation was fraught with complications, as medical staff had to navigate the delicate balance of treating Gilder while also ensuring the stolen items were recovered without causing him harm. The diamond earrings from Jaythan Gilder were thoroughly cleaned and the serial numbers from the jewelry taken were compared. The four stolen earrings matched the serial numbers of the unidentified diamond earrings.

Final Thoughts On The Tiffany Diamond Earrings Recovered After The Thief Swallowed Them

The case of Jaythan Lawrence Gilder serves as a striking reminder of the lengths to which individuals may go to evade capture, even resorting to extreme measures such as swallowing valuable items. He is now in the county jail where he faces charges of robbery and is going to be charged with grand theft in the first degree. This incident not only highlights the complexity of crime and law enforcement but also emphasizes the importance of crime prevention and awareness regarding valuable merchandise.

As consumers, we must remain vigilant when it comes to safeguarding our valuables, whether they are in stores or in our homes. The luxury of high-value items comes with an inherent risk, and being aware of potential threats can help mitigate the chances of becoming a victim of theft. Ultimately, the consequences of criminal actions extend beyond the immediate moment; they reverberate through the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

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