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Florida Police Recover Stolen Tiffany Earrings Worth $769,500 After Suspect Swallows Them

In an unusual turn of events, Florida police successfully recovered two pairs of diamond earrings worth $769,500 after an alleged thief swallowed them in an attempt to evade capture. The case, which unfolded in Orlando, Florida, showcases both the audacity of the crime and the patience of law enforcement.

A Daring Heist at Tiffany & Co.

On February 26, 32-year-old Jaythan Gilder allegedly posed as an assistant to an NBA player to gain access to a VIP room at a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando. Once inside, he requested to see high-end jewelry and, in a moment of distraction, grabbed two pairs of luxurious earrings before dashing out of the store.

During his escape, he reportedly dropped a diamond ring worth $587,000, making the theft even more dramatic. His plan, however, quickly unraveled as police caught up with him later that day.

A Desperate Attempt to Hide Evidence

Realizing he had no way out, Gilder allegedly swallowed the stolen earrings in an effort to conceal the evidence. Eyewitnesses reported hearing him say, “I should have thrown them out the window.” Later, when he was taken into custody, he reportedly asked jail staff, “Am I going to be charged with what’s in my stomach?”

A Long Wait for Justice

What followed was a test of patience for the Orlando police. Gilder was taken to a hospital, where officers closely monitored him for over two weeks. Finally, on March 12, the last of the stolen earrings was recovered.

A thorough investigation confirmed that the recovered jewelry matched the stolen items, thanks to their unique serial numbers. Tiffany & Co. later cleaned and restored the earrings to their original state.

A History of Crime

Authorities revealed that this was not Gilder’s first run-in with the law. He had previously been involved in a 2022 robbery at another Tiffany & Co. store in Texas. Additionally, he had 48 outstanding warrants in Colorado, painting a picture of a repeat offender.

Now, Gilder faces serious charges, including grand theft and robbery with a mask. He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail.

A Cautionary Tale

This bizarre case serves as a reminder that crime never pays. No matter how clever a plan might seem, law enforcement is always ready to ensure justice is served. While Gilder may have thought swallowing the stolen earrings would help him escape consequences, in the end, the truth emerged—quite literally.

For the Orlando police, it was a case of patience and persistence. For Tiffany & Co., it was a sigh of relief. And for the world, it was a story of crime, desperation, and the ultimate triumph of the law.