Wooden Penis Sculpture Sparks 18-Month Legal Battle in Wilton, New York

Jamie Gagne, a woodworker and amateur artist, is facing charges for exhibiting offensive sexual content due to a two-metre wooden penis sculpture he created in Wilton, New York. In June 2020, state police apprehended him and took away the erect sculpture, leaving only the wooden testicles. Gagne crafted the piece as a form of protest after his workshop's building permit was revoked. Prosecutors have proposed dropping the charges if he removes the sculpture from public display, addresses his permit issues, and complies with town noise and dumping regulations for six months. Previously, a police officer indicated that a flaccid version would not have been illegal. Following the sculpture's removal, Gagne added a plaque stating it had been 'castrated by State Police' and subsequently created another penis sculpture. He intends to auction the piece for approximately $30,000 to a wealthy art collector once the legal matters are resolved, with the 18-month legal process concluding in Wilton.