In a wild case involving a fake NBA-related identity and Tiffany diamonds, Jaythan Lawrence Gilder has opted to represent himself in a Florida courtroom as he faces charges stemming from an alleged jewelry heist. Authorities alleged Gilder stole about $800,000 in diamonds and then swallowed the jewels before his arrest.
Gilder, 32, is accused of carrying out the brazen theft at a Tiffany & Co. store at the Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida, on Feb. 26, 2025, according to law enforcement records and arrest affidavits. Prosecutors allege he posed as a representative for an Orlando Magic basketball player to gain access to high-value jewelry inside a private viewing room. Once inside, investigators say he grabbed multiple pieces, including diamond earrings valued at roughly $769,000, before fleeing the store, local news outlet WFLA reported.
