London - Four men have been charged in connection with the theft of a fully functional solid gold toilet, valued at nearly $6 million USD, from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The theft took place in September 2019, when the gold toilet, named "America" and created by artist Maurizio Cattelan, was on display as part of an exhibition at the palace.

The toilet had been installed for just two days before the burglary occurred. Thames Valley Police received a report of the break-in at 4:57 a.m. on September 14, 2019. The offenders had broken in overnight and left the scene of the crime at 4:50 a.m., just moments before the report was received.

Detective Inspector Jess Milne of Thames Valley Police stated, "The stolen artwork is a valuable gold toilet, which was plumbed into the building, causing significant damage and flooding. We believe the offenders used at least two vehicles during the offense."

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has now formally charged four men in relation to the theft. James Sheen, 39, faces charges of burglary, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, and transferring criminal property. Michael Jones, 38, has been charged with burglary. Fred Doe, 35, and Bora Guccuk, 39, both face charges of conspiracy to transfer criminal property.

"It is important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online that could prejudice these proceedings," advised the CPS. "The function of the CPS is not to determine guilt, but to make fair and objective assessments about whether charges should be presented to a criminal court."

Prior to the theft, visitors could book appointments to use the gold toilet for three-minute intervals. The toilet had gained popularity during its previous display at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

After the theft, Thames Valley police arrested a 66-year-old man in connection with the incident. However, he has not been charged in relation to the theft.

The four accused individuals are scheduled to appear at Oxford Magistrates' Court on November 28 to face their charges.

The theft of the solid gold toilet had captured international attention, with Edward Spencer-Churchill, the brother of the Duke of Marlborough who resides at Blenheim Palace, commenting before the incident, "It's not going to be the easiest thing to [steal]. Firstly, it's plumbed in and secondly, a potential thief will have no idea who last used the toilet or what they ate. So no, I don't plan on guarding it."

The CPS emphasized that their assessment of the case does not imply guilt or criminal conduct, as that determination can only be made by a court. Their role is to assess the strength of the evidence and decide whether charges are appropriate.

The upcoming trial will shed further light on the perpetrators and the circumstances surrounding the audacious theft of the solid gold toilet from the birthplace of one of Britain's most prominent leaders.