- Deep-sea treasure hunter Tommy Thompson, who discovered the “Ship of Gold” in 1988, has been released from prison after more than a decade.
- Thompson was initially celebrated for locating the S.S. Central America, which sank in 1857 with a vast amount of gold from the California Gold Rush.
- He subsequently faced legal action from investors who alleged they were defrauded of millions from the sale of the recovered treasure.
- After becoming a fugitive, Thompson was arrested in 2015 and jailed for contempt of court for refusing to disclose the whereabouts of 500 missing gold coins.
- Despite a judge ending his civil contempt sentence in February, Thompson immediately commenced a two-year sentence for failing to attend a court hearing in 2012.
IN FULL
Treasure hunter released from prison after refusing to disclose location of 500 gold coins
