FWC Recovers Gold Treasure Stolen From Shipwrecks Off Florida

Credit: FWC

FORT PIERCE, Florida - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has successfully recovered 37 gold coins allegedly stolen from the 1715 Fleet shipwrecks, valued collectively at over $1 million. 

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. 

Credit: FWC

Investigators say that, while 51 of these coins were reported correctly and adjudicated, 50 coins were not disclosed and were subsequently stolen.

FWC investigators, in collaboration with the FBI, launched an in-depth probe after new evidence emerged on June 10, 2024. This evidence allegedly linked Eric Schmitt, a member of the Schmitt family, to the illegal sale of multiple stolen gold coins between 2023 and 2024.

Credit: FWC

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. 

Investigators say that 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. 

According to the FWC, 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.

Credit: FWC

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.