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NYPD nabs alleged WNBA sex-toy tosser, lawyer says DA hunting crypto bros behind the craze
By
Charles Lane
Published Aug 21, 2025
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Sarah Stier/Getty Images
By
Charles Lane
Published Aug 21, 2025
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An Ohio man turned himself in to police Wednesday after allegedly throwing a green sex toy during a New York Liberty game that struck a 12-year-old girl in the leg, police said.
Charles Burgess, 32, of Dayton, Ohio, was arraigned on 10 criminal charges including felony assault with a weapon, interfering with a sporting event and obscenity.
The man’s lawyer says prosecutors want to find others throwing similar sex toys at women basketball players. According to a report by ESPN, there is a nationwide publicity effort underway to market a new crypto coin that involves throwing green sex toys, often in the shape of a phallus, at WNBA players.
According to Burgess’ lawyer, the Brooklyn district attorney's office wants to crack down on the trend.
“The Brooklyn DA's office has indicated a desire to speak to the defense, particularly in regards to others' involvement in this fast-spreading phenomenon occurring at WNBA venues,” Paul D'Emilia wrote in an email.
The Brooklyn DA’s office declined to comment.
D’Emilia said Burgess surrendered to authorities in Brooklyn after driving overnight from Ohio, where he owns an auto body shop and has six children.
Authorities said on Aug. 5 Burgess threw the green sex toy that hit the girl in her right leg before fleeing on foot. The victim experienced pain but was not hospitalized.
Burgess pleaded not guilty to the charges. A judge released him pending a December court date.
D’Emilia said Burgess "intends to vigorously fight these embellished and exaggerated charges," claiming video evidence shows "no one was actually struck by the thrown object rendering any of the included assault charges unsustainable."
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Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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