In a disturbing development involving the world of cryptocurrency, an Italian man was allegedly kidnapped and tortured in a New York City townhouse for over two weeks, according to information from the police.
Two individuals, namely, John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, are now facing charges of kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment in connection with this case. The said victim, a 28-year-old resident of Italy, arrived in New York on May 6 under threats to his family’s safety, per Assistant District Attorney Michael Mattson.
The victim was allegedly lured into Woeltz’s eight-bedroom townhouse in SoHo, where he was subjected to various forms of abuse. The evidence suggests that once there, the man was stripped of his belongings, bound, and subjected to beatings, electric shock, and a hit to the head from a gun. Woeltz, according to the criminal complaint, allegedly threatened to kill the victim if he did not provide his Bitcoin password.
The victim managed to escape the townhouse on Friday morning and sought help from a traffic enforcement officer. He was taken to a local hospital in stable condition. Inside the townhouse, law enforcement discovered a variety of items, including a saw, crack cocaine, night vision goggles, and body armor, supporting the victim’s account.
Woeltz, known as the “crypto king of Kentucky,” was taken into custody on Friday, while Duplessie turned himself in at the NYPD’s 13th Precinct on Tuesday. Both men have been charged with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. They have pleaded not guilty, according to court records. A judge denied Duplessie’s attorney’s request for him to be held under home detention with his father in Florida on $1 million bail.
This raises important questions about the potential dangers and vulnerabilities in the burgeoning world of cryptocurrency. The suspects face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charge of kidnapping. A 24-year-old woman was also arrested on Friday for kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment in connection with the case, but she is currently not being prosecuted.
As we wrap up, we must acknowledge that while the facts, as we now know them, provide a chilling account of an alleged crime, there are still unanswered questions. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on Tuesday that Woeltz and Duplessie are currently the only suspects, but there may be others involved. As the investigation continues, it is important to remain vigilant and informed.
