🚨 Two Convicted in Golden Toilet Theft from Blenheim Palace
By Trendy Daily News—April 7, 2025
In one of the most bizarre and high-profile art crimes in recent history, two men were convicted Tuesday for their roles in the 2019 theft of the 18-karat gold toilet titled “America” from the historic Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The artwork was valued at over £4.8 million ($6 million) and remains missing to this day.
🕵️♂️ The Blenheim Palace Break-In
Evidence presented at Oxford Crown Court revealed that Michael Jones, 39, entered the palace a day before the theft and used the artwork, which was fully functional and plumbed into the building. Then, at around 4:50 a.m. on September 14, 2019, Jones returned with accomplices and executed the theft in under five minutes.
They smashed a window, removed the toilet from its fittings, and caused significant water damage due to the disconnected plumbing. The group fled in stolen vehicles, later identified via CCTV and forensic evidence.
🎨 The Artwork: “America” by Maurizio Cattelan
The toilet, weighing 215 pounds (98 kg) and crafted entirely from 18-karat gold, was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan as a satire on modern wealth. Before its installation at Blenheim Palace, it was exhibited at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Interestingly, the Guggenheim had offered the golden toilet to the Trump White House in place of a Van Gogh painting the administration requested during Donald Trump’s presidency.
⚖️ Court Verdicts and Coded Conversations
- Michael Jones was found guilty of burglary.
- James Sheen, 40, pleaded guilty to burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and transferring criminal property.
- Frederick Sines (also known as Fred Doe), 36, was found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property.
Court records revealed that Sheen contacted Doe shortly after the theft. Their messages used coded language, referring to the toilet as a “car”:
“I can sell that car for you in two seconds … come and see me tomorrow,” Doe responded to Sheen’s offer.
A fourth suspect, Bora Guccuk, 41, was acquitted of all charges.
🕳️ Where Is the Golden Toilet Now?
Despite convictions, the golden toilet remains unrecovered. Authorities believe the artwork was quickly dismantled and sold for parts, likely melted down due to its high gold content, estimated at £2.8 million ($3.6 million).
🔎 What’s Next in the Investigation?
The Blenheim Palace theft continues to raise questions about the security of public art installations, particularly those of high value. While law enforcement successfully convicted key figures, the masterpiece’s fate may never be fully known.
🧾 Final Thoughts
The Golden Toilet theft at Blenheim Palace stands as a surreal reminder of how bold, unconventional art can become the center of elaborate crime. While the justice system has delivered verdicts, the mystery of the missing golden toilet continues to captivate the world.
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