News Summary
A 32-year-old man from Houston, Jaythan Lawrence Gilder, attempted a bold jewelry heist at Tiffany & Co. in Orlando, Florida. He posed as a VIP, fleeing with $1.4 million worth of gems. Following a chaotic chase and a bizarre attempt to ingest the stolen earrings during a traffic stop, he was apprehended. Gilder faces serious charges, highlighting a troubling history of thefts in the jewelry world. This incident raises questions about crime trends and consequences.
Houston Man’s Daring Heist Gone Wrong in Florida
In the bustling city of Orlando, Florida, a thrilling tale unfolded when a 32-year-old man from Houston found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Jaythan Lawrence Gilder allegedly took part in a flashy jewelry heist at the well-known Tiffany & Co. on February 26, marking a peculiar chapter in the annals of crime.
A Daring Disguise
Gilder, it seems, had a penchant for theatrics. Posing as an associate of a professional basketball player, he strolled into the Tiffany store with high hopes. He was interested in two stunning pairs of diamond earrings, one boasting 4.86 carats and the other weighing in at 8.19 carats. In addition, he had his eyes set on a dazzling 5.61-carat diamond ring. The glimmering treasures were collectively valued at an eye-popping $1.4 million.
Employees, eager to accommodate a supposed VIP, escorted Gilder to a private room. But things took a drastic turn as he apparently lost all sense of decorum, opting to flee with the gems rather than pay for a closer look.
A Chase Down the Highway
As he made his escape, Gilder allegedly injured a store employee who had tried to stop him, ultimately dropping the precious ring in his hasty retreat. Behind the wheel of a rental Mitsubishi Outlander, he sped away, heading toward Tallahassee along Interstate 10.
However, it didn’t take long for law enforcement to catch on. During a routine traffic stop in Washington County, Florida, authorities noticed Gilder acting suspiciously. What followed was nothing short of bizarre: he attempted to swallow the stolen earrings in a desperate bid to hide the incriminating evidence.
In the Hospital and on the Hook
Police quickly arrested Gilder, and a body scan revealed that the valuable earrings were indeed lodged in his stomach. It was a shocking turn of events. When in custody, he casually inquired if he would face charges for what was inside him, giving investigators a comical peek into his mindset.
Following his arrest, Gilder was taken to a local hospital to wait it out, expelling the stolen bling. After a lengthy 12-day ordeal, the earrings were finally recovered, much to the relief of Tiffany & Co., which was ready to clean and inspect the items before reselling them.
The Charges Stack Up
In light of the events, Gilder has been charged with serious crimes, including first-degree grand theft and third-degree robbery with a mask. This isn’t his first run-in with the law; he has a troubling history of jewelry theft dating back to 2013, demonstrating a troubling pattern of behavior.
Interestingly, Gilder previously attempted a similar heist at a Tiffany store in The Woodlands, Texas, in early 2022. Inspectors have even gathered video evidence of him mingling with sales associates before launching his brazen escape.
The jewelry world has certainly been shaken by this dramatic incident. With the investigation ongoing and a history of thefts, one has to question if Gilder will ever learn from his escapades. For now, he’s left facing the consequences of his outrageous actions, with a shining example of how greed can lead to a downfall.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Houston Jewelry Thief
- Wikipedia: Jewelry Theft
- Chron: Tiffany Earrings Florida Swallowed
- Google Search: Jewelry Heists
- Houston Chronicle: Detectives Recover Diamond Earrings
- Google Scholar: Jewelry Theft Cases
- Houston City Book: Houston Jewelers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jewelry
- National Jeweler: Man Swallows Stolen Jewelry
- Google News: Jewelry Theft Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
