Orlando, FL – A 32-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly posing as a representative for an NBA player, stealing over $700,000 worth of jewelry from Tiffany & Co., and swallowing the stolen earrings in an attempt to conceal the evidence during his arrest.
According to the Orlando Police Department, the suspect, Jaythan Gilder, entered the Tiffany & Co. store at the Mall at Millenia on February 26, claiming he was there on behalf of a player for the Orlando Magic. Store employees, believing his story, escorted him to a VIP room to view high-value items, including two pairs of diamond earrings worth $769,500 and a diamond ring valued at $587,000.
Once inside, Gilder allegedly grabbed the earrings and the ring before attempting to forcefully escape. When an employee tried to intervene, Gilder reportedly fought back, but the employee managed to knock the ring from his grasp. Surveillance footage captured the dramatic scene as Gilder ultimately forced open the doors and fled the store.
Authorities tracked Gilder’s blue SUV, which had been rented in Houston, using public safety cameras. The vehicle was observed heading west on the fastest route toward Texas. Hours later, at 7:55 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol officers conducted a traffic stop, but Gilder resisted arrest. During his apprehension, he reportedly swallowed several items, which police suspect to be the stolen earrings. A scan at the Washington County Jail revealed “foreign objects” in his stomach, though officials are awaiting their passage to confirm.
During transport, Gilder reportedly asked officers, “Am I going to be charged with what’s in my stomach?” and later admitted, “I should have thrown them out the window.”
Authorities have since linked Gilder to a nearly identical robbery at a Tiffany & Co. store in Texas in 2022. He also has 48 outstanding arrest warrants in Colorado. Gilder is currently being held at the Orange County Jail in Orlando as investigations continue.
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