The $6 Million Toilet That Vanished

On September 14, 2019, a solid gold toilet was stolen from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. The toilet, an artwork called "America" by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was made of 18-karat gold and valued at $6 million.

The thieves acted quickly. They used sledgehammers and metal rods to rip the toilet from its plumbing system, causing flooding in the historic building. Within just seven minutes, they were gone driving off in stolen cars.

Now, after six years of legal proceedings, three men have been found guilty for their part in the crime. The court did not share their exact sentences with the public, but here’s what we know:

James Sheen (40) admitted to breaking in, helping to move stolen goods, and planning the crime. He is already in prison, serving a 17-year sentence for other thefts including rare tractors and museum trophies.

Michael Jones (39) was convicted of burglary. Before the theft, he visited the palace and secretly took photos of the toilet and the path to it.

Frederick Doe (36) was found guilty of planning to help sell the stolen gold. He had communicated with Sheen about selling the toilet parts on the black market.

To this day, the golden toilet has never been found. Investigators believe it was broken down and sold as raw gold. The artwork may be gone forever but justice has finally been served.