TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – It’s a modern-day pirate’s tale. Florida Fish and Wildlife investigators have recovered 37 gold coins they said were stolen.
According to FWC, 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 1715 Fleet Shipwrecks off Florida’s Treasure Coast. While 51 of these coins were reported correctly and adjudicated, 50 coins were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen.
FWC investigators and the FBI found evidence that linked Eric Schmitt, a member of the Schmitt family, to the illegal sale of multiple stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024.
Investigators executed multiple search warrants, recovering coins from private residences, safe deposit boxes and auctions. Five stolen coins were reclaimed from a Florida-based auctioneer, who unknowingly purchased them from Eric Schmitt. Advanced digital forensics identified metadata and geolocation data linking Eric Schmitt to a photograph of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condominium in Fort Pierce.
It was also discovered that Eric Schmitt took three of the stolen gold coins and placed them on the ocean floor in 2016 to be found by the new investors of 1715 Fleet - Queens Jewels, LLC.
“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.
The recovered gold was returned to its custodians. Investigators are still searching for the remaining 13 coins.
Eric Schmitt faces charges in dealing with stolen property.
According to FWC, the 1715 Fleet represents a collection of Spanish treasure ships that sank during a hurricane off Florida’s coast in 1715.