Texas Man’s Elaborate Diamond Heist Ends in Florida Arrest

A Texas man is accused of posing as a representative of an Orlando Magic player before he swiped two pairs of earrings worth $769,500 from a Tiffany & Co. in Orlando.

A Texas man’s attempt at a high-profile jewelry heist ended in an unusual way when he swallowed stolen diamonds in an effort to evade capture. Authorities say 32-year-old Jaythan Gilder orchestrated the robbery at a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, before being tracked down and arrested just hours later.

Orange County - Jaythan Gilder, 32

Luxury Store Targeted in Bold Scam

Gilder arrived at Tiffany & Co. in The Mall at Millenia claiming to represent a player from the Orlando Magic, allegedly negotiating a deal for high-end jewelry. Store employees escorted him to a private showroom, presenting a $587,000 diamond ring and two sets of diamond earrings, one valued at $609,500 and another at $160,000.

What began as a routine consultation quickly turned into chaos. As discussions about payment progressed, Gilder suddenly lunged for the jewelry, grabbing the items and attempting to flee. A store employee struggled with him, managing to knock the diamond ring from his grasp, but Gilder forced his way through the doors and sprinted through the store, dodging staff members trying to intervene.

Orlando Police Department

High-Tech Chase Leads to Arrest

Authorities used surveillance footage, public safety cameras, and license plate readers to track a rented 2024 Mitsubishi Highlander, which was identified as the getaway vehicle. Officers pulled over the SUV about six hours later as it was heading toward Texas.

Gilder, alone in the vehicle, took a desperate measure—swallowing several pieces of stolen jewelry in an attempt to hide evidence. A medical scan later confirmed the presence of “foreign objects” in his stomach, which authorities stated would eventually be retrieved.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Criminal Past Comes to Light

A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed incriminating evidence, including clothing that matched what he wore during the heist and Tiffany price tags corresponding to the stolen items. A store employee who fought with Gilder was able to identify him in a police lineup.

While in custody, Gilder made an unusual inquiry, asking officers, “Am I going to be charged with what’s in my stomach?” He was also overheard muttering, “I should have thrown them out the window.”

Investigators soon discovered that Gilder was no stranger to high-value thefts. In 2022, he was arrested for an almost identical robbery at a Tiffany & Co. in Houston. His criminal record includes multiple jewelry-related offenses, including a $133,340 theft at a Houston business and a series of pawn shop burglaries.

Facing felony charges, Gilder remains in custody in Orange County without bond. Authorities also revealed that he is wanted on numerous outstanding warrants in Colorado, further solidifying his reputation as a repeat offender in luxury theft crimes.