Florida Conservation Officers Crack 2015, $1 Million Heist

In 2015, members of the Schmitt family, working as contracted salvage operators for 1715 Fleet-Queens Jewels, LLC, uncovered a treasure trove of 101 gold coins from the wrecks off Florida’s Treasure Coast. While 51 of these coins were reported correctly and adjudicated, 50 coins were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen.

New evidence emerged on June 10, 2024, that launched an in-depth probe by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in collaboration with the FBI. It linked Eric Schmitt, a member of the Schmitt family, to the illegal sale of multiple stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024.

This month FWC announced its efforts to recover the artifacts have been partially successful, with the recovery of 37 gold coins, valued collectively at more than $1 million. It marks a major milestone in a long-standing investigation.

The case was far from ordinary for officers more commonly associated with enforcement of wildlife regulations. It included the execution of multiple search warrants and recovering coins from private residences, safe deposit boxes and auctions. Five stolen coins were reclaimed from a Florida-based auctioneer, who unknowingly purchased them.

Advanced digital forensics and geolocation data in photos were employed to find precise locations of several of the historic artifacts. It was also discovered that the perpetrator placed three of the stolen gold coins back on the ocean floor in 2016, hoping new investors of 1715 Fleet-Queens Jewels, LLC, would find them.

Investigators also worked closely with historical preservation experts, including Mel Fisher-Abt to authenticate and appraise the recovered coins. The case involved partnerships with the 19th and 9th Judicial Circuits, resulting in charges for dealing in stolen property against Eric Schmitt.

As required by state and federal law, the recovered artifacts will be returned to their rightful custodians. FWC investigators are committed to recovering the remaining 13 stolen coins and bringing those involved in their illegal sale to justice.

“This case underscores the importance of safeguarding Florida’s rich cultural heritage and holding accountable those who seek to profit from its exploitation,” said FWC Investigator Camille Soverel.