In a fascinating tale of lost treasure and legal battles, a former deep-sea treasure hunter and research scientist finds himself at a crossroads. After spending time behind bars for refusing to disclose the location of 500 missing gold coins, there may be hope on the horizon.

The story dates back to 1857 when the SS Central America sank during a hurricane, carrying with it a valuable cargo of 21 tonnes of gold nuggets and coins. This treasure, known as the “Ship of Gold,” was intended to bolster banks in New York but instead contributed to a financial crisis when the ship tragically went down.

Fast forward to 1988, when research scientist Tommy Gregory Thompson and his team finally located the lost treasure using advanced sonar technology. Among the haul were 500 coins worth a staggering $2.5 million, the whereabouts of which have kept Thompson in prison since 2015.

Despite facing a civil contempt charge and accruing over $3 million in fines, Thompson remained steadfast in his refusal to reveal the coins’ location. Now, after serving a 10-year sentence, a judge has decided to drop the civil charge. However, Thompson still faces a 2-year sentence for a related criminal contempt charge.

Throughout his time in prison, Thompson has maintained his silence, claiming that the coins were placed in a trust in Belize without providing further details. The judge, recognizing the futility of further incarceration, expressed doubts that additional time behind bars would compel Thompson to cooperate, leaving his release date uncertain.

As this intriguing saga unfolds, the fate of the “Ship of Gold” treasure and the man who discovered it remains shrouded in mystery and legal complexities.