In a daring heist reminiscent of a Hollywood script, Jaythan Gilder, a 32-year-old from Houston, Texas, allegedly impersonated a representative of an Orlando Magic basketball player to execute a high-stakes robbery at a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida. The incident, which unfolded on February 26, 2025, has left many astonished by the audacity and brazenness of the act.
The Heist
Gilder reportedly entered the Tiffany & Co. store located in the upscale Mall at Millenia, presenting himself as an authorized representative of a professional basketball player. Leveraging this fabricated identity, he gained the trust of the store’s staff and was granted access to view high-end jewelry pieces. During this interaction, Gilder managed to steal two pairs of diamond earrings and a ring, collectively valued at approximately $769,000.
Escape and Apprehension
Surveillance footage from the store captured Gilder’s attempt to flee the premises following the theft. Store employees, upon realizing the deception, alerted mall security and local law enforcement. Gilder was apprehended shortly thereafter.
During the arrest, officers noted suspicious behavior leading them to believe he had ingested the stolen items. A subsequent body scan confirmed the presence of foreign objects in his stomach, suspected to be the stolen jewelry.
Criminal Background
Investigations revealed that Gilder has an extensive criminal history, including multiple outstanding warrants and prior theft-related offenses. Notably, he has been linked to a previous theft at a Tiffany & Co. store in Houston in 2022, suggesting a pattern of targeting high-end jewelry retailers.
Legal Proceedings
Gilder has been charged with first-degree grand theft and robbery. Given the substantial value of the stolen items and his prior criminal record, he faces severe legal consequences if convicted. The court has yet to determine additional charges related to the ingestion of the stolen jewelry.
Industry Implications
This incident underscores the vulnerabilities that luxury retailers face, even when dealing with individuals who present themselves as reputable clients. It highlights the necessity for stringent verification processes and employee training to detect and prevent such fraudulent activities.
