In a major investigative development concerning Florida’s maritime heritage, authorities have arrested Eric Schmitt of Booty Salvage, a family company renowned for its treasure-hunting endeavors. According to a news release by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Schmitt faces charges related to the theft and illegal sale of gold coins. All of the coins were recovered from the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet shipwrecks off Florida’s Treasure Coast.
The 1715 Fleet consisted of 11 Spanish galleons transporting treasures from the New World to Spain. On July 31, 1715, the fleet encountered a devastating hurricane off Florida’s coast near Fort Pierce, sinking all of the vessels and destroying their valuable cargo. The 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet was actually a combination of two fleets that were destroyed in a hurricane in 1715. The known shipwreck sites are located along a 35-mile stretch of the Florida coast from Sebastian Inlet to Fort Pierce Inlet:
Indian River County In 2021 and 2022, onion glass bottles over 300 years old were retrieved from a shipwreck in Indian River County. Over the centuries, these shipwrecks have attracted treasure hunters and historians eager to uncover remnants of this maritime disaster.
Melbourne Beach The Melbourne Site, previously known as the Radar Wreck Site, is located in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Artifacts were first discovered in 2004.
Pepper Beach Park The wreck site is located on the first offshore reef, about 200 yards from shore. The site includes a ballast mound, hull timbers, replica cannons, an iron anchor, and a plaque.
John Brooks Beach This beach is located on one of the wrecks of the 1715 fleet.
The Schmitt Family’s Discoveries
In 2015, the Schmitt was operating as contracted salvage operator for 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC, when they made a remarkable discovery. They recovered 101 gold coins from the wreckage, a find celebrated for its historical and monetary value. However, only 51 of these coins were officially reported and adjudicated, leaving 50 coins unaccounted for.
Investigation and Arrest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), initiated an investigation after new evidence surfaced on June 10, 2024. This evidence implicated Eric Schmitt in 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. Notably, five stolen coins were reclaimed from a Florida-based auctioneer who had unknowingly purchased them from Schmitt.
Advanced digital forensics played a crucial role in the investigation. Metadata and geolocation data linked Schmitt to photographs of the stolen coins taken at the Schmitt family condominium in Fort Pierce. Additionally, it was discovered that in 2016, Schmitt had placed three of the stolen gold coins back onto the ocean floor to be found by new investors of 1715 Fleet – Queens Jewels, LLC.
Recovery of Stolen Artifacts
The FWC announced the successful recovery of 37 of the 50 stolen gold coins, collectively valued at over $1 million. These artifacts were authenticated and appraised with the assistance of historical preservation experts, including Mel Fisher-Abt. The recovered coins will be returned to their rightful custodians as mandated by state and federal law. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 13 stolen coins and to hold accountable all individuals involved in their illegal sale according the the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Legal Proceedings
Eric Schmitt faces multiple charges of dealing in stolen property. FWC Investigator Camille Soverel emphasized, “This case underscores the importance of safeguarding Florida’s rich cultural heritage and holding accountable those who seek to profit from its exploitation.”
