LONDON — Nearly five years after a shocking and satirical work of art — a fully functioning, 18-karat gold toilet titled “America” — was stolen from Blenheim Palace, two of the burglars involved have finally been sentenced.
On Friday, June 14, an Oxford Crown Court judge handed down prison sentences to James Sheen, 40, and Michael Jones, 39, for their roles in the $6.4 million heist that made global headlines in 2019.
💰 The Stolen Throne
The toilet, created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was intended as a biting commentary on consumer excess. Valued at over £4.7 million (about $6 million), it was on display for just two days at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill, when it was stolen in a 5½-minute smash-and-grab raid.
“America has never been seen again,” said Judge Ian Pringle, who presided over the sentencing. “This bold and brazen heist took no more than 5 1/2 minutes to complete.”
⚖️ Sentences Handed Down
- James Sheen, the ringleader, received 4 years in prison after pleading guilty to burglary, conspiracy, and money laundering.
- Michael Jones, who scoped out the palace in advance and attended the exhibit as a guest the day before the heist, was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months.
A third man, Frederick Doe (also known as Frederick Sines), received a suspended sentence last month for attempting to help Sheen sell the gold, with the court ruling he had been exploited by the others.
🔨 How the Heist Went Down
In the early hours of September 14, 2019, a gang of five men stormed through the estate gates using stolen vehicles, smashed a window, and used sledgehammers and crowbars to remove the toilet — still attached to the plumbing — causing extensive damage to the historic site.
Surveillance footage captured a masked man carrying a golden toilet seat, while others loaded the heavy artifact into a car. The toilet, weighing over 215 pounds, was likely dismantled and melted for gold. Investigators found gold fragments and cash photos at Sheen’s home, but the toilet was never recovered.
🔎 Still More Questions Than Answers
Detectives say they know the identities of at least two more suspects, but lack sufficient evidence to charge them. The total proceeds from the crime remain unaccounted for, though Sheen allegedly received a photo of £520,000 in cash as part of the loot.
“The investigation is ongoing,” said Detective Superintendent Bruce Riddell, hinting at the possible recovery of luxury goods bought with stolen funds.
📜 A Long Criminal History
Both men had lengthy criminal records:
- Sheen was on parole for a firearms conviction involving a car chase and shooting at the time of the burglary. He’s currently serving a 19-year sentence for other crimes.
- Jones had prior convictions for burglary, car theft, and robbery, dating back to age 13.
Their golden crime — planned on Friday the 13th — seemed to have evaded justice for years. But now, on another Friday the 13th, their luck finally ran out.
🖼️ The Art That Was Offered to Trump
Ironically, the same toilet was once offered to then-President Donald Trump in lieu of a Van Gogh painting by the Guggenheim Museum. The White House declined.
The artwork, like Cattelan’s now-famous banana duct-taped to a wall, was created to provoke — and it certainly has. While “America” may be gone, its legend lives on.
