Orlando, Florida – A daring jewelry thief in Florida made headlines last week after stealing over $700,000 worth of earrings from a well-known luxury retailer. Jaythan Gilder, 32, allegedly posed as a representative of a professional basketball player to gain access to high-end jewelry at Tiffany & Co. in the Mall at Millenia.
According to an arrest warrant filed by Orlando Police Detective Aaron Goss, Gilder was shown several pieces of jewelry, including diamond earrings and a ring totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars in value. After a struggle with store employees, Gilder managed to snatch the earrings and flee the scene, leaving behind the ring.
Law enforcement officials were able to track Gilder’s getaway vehicle, a blue Mitsubishi Outlander, to a rental car agency in Houston. Gilder was later spotted by the Florida Highway Patrol in Tallahassee, attempting to make a quick escape back to Texas. During his arrest, Gilder allegedly ingested the stolen items, leading to concerns about recovering the evidence.
While in custody, Gilder raised questions about the contents of his stomach, hinting at the swallowed earrings. Despite efforts to retrieve the stolen merchandise, authorities have not confirmed if the earrings have been recovered. Gilder faces charges of grand theft and robbery with a mask, as police found evidence of a disguise used during the robbery in his possession.
This incident is not Gilder’s first brush with the law, as he is reportedly wanted in connection with previous robberies in different states. The audacity of his crimes, coupled with his attempts to evade capture, have drawn attention to the boldness of his criminal activities. The story of the Florida jewelry thief serves as a reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to for ill-gotten gains.
As the investigation into Gilder’s criminal history continues, the public remains intrigued by the mystery of the missing earrings and the audacious nature of the heist. Despite his attempts to outmaneuver law enforcement, Gilder’s actions have landed him in legal trouble once again, highlighting the consequences of his brazen theft.