Authorities have charged Jaythan Gilder, 32, with theft after he convinced the staff at the Tiffany & Co. store that he claimed to act on behalf of an Orlando Magic basketball player and managed to steal 2 pairs of earrings worth more than $769,000.
The Jewelry Theft
The incident occurred at the end of February at the Mall at Millenia, where Gilder reportedly claimed to represent a professional athlete. Premium brands always try to offer high-profile clients a luxury retail experience, and VIP rooms in the boutiques are a part of this experience. These exclusive spaces have a warm and relaxing atmosphere, allowing clients to enjoy a personalized approach and choose jewelry away from the hustle of the main showroom. You can’t go to this room if you ask to; the only way to get to a VIP room is to be invited. The store’s team thought Jaythan was an important person so they welcomed him to a private room, where they showed him several luxury accessories, including the following:
- A 4.86-carat diamond earring set valued at $160,000
- An 8.19-carat diamond earring set valued at about $610,000
- A 5.61-carat diamond ring priced approximately $590,000
Orlando Police Department.
Gilder’s plan was to grab the items and run away. However, the staff tried to resist him, which could have been very dangerous. Usually, in luxury retail shops, including stores like Tiffany & Co., employees are trained to prioritize personal safety over product or property protection. In this case, the man was able to get away with both pairs of earrings.
Tracking and Arrest
Nowadays, security videos help investigators a lot because the technologies can’t be compared to what was available even 5 years ago — high-definition cameras, AI-powered analytics, and real-time monitoring are some of the tools that enhance crime detection, track suspect movements, and provide clear evidence for prosecutions. The surveillance footage showed the suspect leaving the area in a blue Mitsubishi Outlander. This car wasn’t a private vehicle but a rental from an agency. The robber left it 300 miles away from Orlando, where it was found by a Florida Highway Patrol officer.
When officers arrested Gilder, he swallowed something, causing law enforcement to believe he had swallowed the stolen earrings. A scan at Washington County Jail showed unidentified objects in his stomach, and police believe the items were the missing jewelry.
Orlando Police Department.
Statements and Investigation
After being arrested, Gilder reportedly asked jail staff whether he would be charged for “what’s in my stomach.” An arresting officer also overheard him regretting he didn’t toss the goods from his car.
The authorities have not yet verified whether the stolen jewelry has since been recovered but added that no further information is available at this time.
Further Findings and Charges
Police searched the car and found the clothing worn during the robbery and a white fabric bandage that was on Glider’s nose. The medical wrap did not cover any real injury, investigators noted, indicating that it was used as a disguise.
He was placed in the Orange County Jail for alleged serious theft and masked robbery due to the bandage on his face. He was also linked to a similar robbery at a Tiffany & Co. store three years ago in The Woodlands, Texas. He also holds 48 active warrants in Colorado. It is not yet known if Gilder has legal counsel.
Video report from the NBC NEWS website.
