The theft of a golden toilet from Blenheim Palace in England has resulted in the conviction of two men involved in the audacious heist. The valuable 18-carat work of art, insured for approximately $6 million, was taken by Michael Jones and his accomplices in a carefully planned operation.
Jones, who had used the fully functioning golden toilet for reconnaissance the day before the theft, described the experience as “splendid.” On the night of September 14, 2019, the thieves armed with sledgehammers and crowbars smashed a window and quickly removed the toilet from its plumbing, causing a flood as they made their escape in stolen vehicles.
Prosecutor Shan Saunders described the theft as an audacious raid that left a trail of evidence through forensics, CCTV footage, and phone data. Despite efforts to recover the stolen toilet, it is believed to have been cut up and sold for profit.
The stolen artwork, titled “America” by artist Maurizio Cattelan, had previously been exhibited at The Guggenheim Museum in New York. The piece, weighing over 215 pounds and valued at $3.6 million in gold, aimed to satirize excessive wealth.
Jones was convicted of burglary, while his accomplice James Sheen, who planned the theft and brokered a deal with Fred Doe to sell the stolen goods, pleaded guilty to burglary, conspiracy, and transferring criminal property. Doe, also known as Frederick Sines, was convicted of conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
The intricate web of planning and communication between the thieves was revealed through text messages, with Sheen referring to the stolen loot as a “car,” which was actually code for the valuable gold. Despite the efforts of the conspirators, a fourth man charged in the conspiracy, Bora Guccuk, was acquitted by jurors.
The daring theft of the golden toilet from Blenheim Palace serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of greed and criminal activity, as the perpetrators now face legal repercussions for their actions.
