A Bizarre Robbery Attempt Fails
A man who swallowed stolen diamond earrings worth more than $760,000 faces serious prison time. A Florida jury found Jaythan Gilder guilty of robbery and grand theft today. The conviction follows a brazen February 2025 theft at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando. Gilder attempted to conceal the incredibly expensive jewelry inside his own digestive system. The bizarre case drew massive national attention after a jailhouse body scan revealed the truth. Investigators patiently recovered the earrings and confirmed they matched the stolen inventory perfectly. Prosecutors detailed how Gilder executed the initial robbery inside the luxury retail store. He entered the Tiffany & Co. boutique claiming to represent a professional basketball player.
Fleeing With The Diamonds
He told staff he wanted to purchase high-end jewelry for his wealthy client. Store employees escorted him to a private viewing room to examine several premium pieces. Instead of completing a purchase, Gilder grabbed the diamond earrings and ran. He forced his way aggressively out of the store, injuring one employee during the confrontation. Investigators utilized mall surveillance footage to identify his vehicle quickly. Police tracked the vehicle as Gilder attempted to flee across the state of Florida. Florida Highway Patrol troopers eventually intercepted and stopped Gilder in Washington County. During the traffic stop, troopers noticed him frantically attempting to swallow several objects.
Waiting For The Evidence
Despite officers’ physical efforts to stop him, Gilder successfully swallowed the stolen items. A subsequent medical body scan at the Washington County Jail revealed the foreign objects. According to the official arrest report, a trooper heard Gilder express deep regret. Gilder reportedly said he should have thrown the items out of the car window. He also asked jail staff if he would face charges for what was in his stomach. Investigators recovered the diamond earrings after they passed naturally through his digestive system. Tiffany & Co. took the jewelry back for thorough cleaning and professional examination. A specialized jeweler confirmed that the serial numbers matched the stolen earrings exactly. The court will announce Gilder's final sentencing date shortly. Follow the latest breaking news and bizarre criminal investigations globally. Get the whole truth and more on The WAU.
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