Florida Man Convicted of Robbery After Swallowing $769,000 in Tiffany Diamonds
A Florida man who swallowed $769,000 in high-end jewelry during a theft at a Tiffany & Co. store was found guilty of robbery by a jury. The trial concluded following an investigation into the 2025 heist in Orlando, where authorities spent roughly two weeks monitoring the defendant before recovering the stolen luxury items.
Jaythan Lawrence Gilder, who was 32 at the time of the incident, walked into the Tiffany & Co. location in February 2025, according to details provided by True Crime News. Gilder posed as a representative for a member of the Orlando Magic basketball team, telling store personnel that the athlete was interested in purchasing jewelry. He asked to be taken to a private viewing room.
The Theft and Store Escape in Orlando
Once inside the private room, Gilder grabbed the merchandise and fled the store. Court documents show that as he bolted from the premises, he injured one of the store employees. State records indicate that in addition to four earrings, Gilder attempted to make off with a ring valued at $1.3 million, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Man found guilty of robbery after swallowing stolen jewelry from Tiffany worth $760KA Florida man has been convicted of snatching and swallowing over $760,000 worth of Tiffany earrings he stole during a jewel heist.A jury found Jaythan Gilder guilty of robbery and grand theft… pic.twitter.com/LqRilSczew
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Gilder swallowed the jewelry when he was stopped. An arrest affidavit filed by law enforcement notes that a jailhouse scan of his stomach appeared to show jewelry. When questioned by staff inside the facility, Gilder asked, “Am I going to be charged with what’s in my stomach?”
Recovery of the Jewelry and Court Verdict
State Attorney Monique H. Worrell stated that authorities monitored Gilder for approximately two weeks before recovering the jewelry, which matched the items reported stolen from the retailer. On Oct. 23, a jury convicted Gilder on the robbery charge, according to the state attorney’s office. “This verdict sends a clear message that violence and theft will not be tolerated in our community,” Worrell said regarding the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tiffany Diamond Trial
What specific items did Jaythan Lawrence Gilder steal from the store?
Gilder stole four earrings and attempted to take an additional ring valued at $1.3 million, according to reports from the Orlando Sentinel.
How long did it take authorities to recover the swallowed jewelry?
State Attorney Monique H. Worrell stated that authorities monitored Gilder for approximately two weeks before recovering the stolen luxury pieces.
When was the verdict handed down by the jury?
The jury found Gilder guilty of robbery on Oct. 23, following the trial proceedings in Orlando.
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