Charges Filed Against Suspects in Cryptocurrency Torture Case
Two men have been charged with the brutal torture of an Italian cryptocurrency enthusiast in a lavish New York City townhouse, according to the Manhattan district attorney’s office. Prosecutors revealed that John Woeltz and his accomplice William Duplessie repeatedly directed an assistant to keep track of the victim’s movements, as the investigation continues. A judge has set bail at $1 million for both suspects, despite the objections from the prosecution.
Prosecutors Uncover Disturbing Communications
In court proceedings, prosecutors disclosed that Woeltz allegedly instructed an assistant to watch the victim closely whenever he was on his phone. When there was concern that the victim might escape through an open door, another assistant assured that he was keeping an eye on him. This information was presented as the defense claimed the men did not forcibly detain the Italian man. Additionally, a message from Duplessie indicated that both suspects felt compelled to use drugs because they were forcing the victim to do the same. Prosecutors described the victim as emotionally shattered, detailing messages that depicted him as sobbing and devoid of hope.
Physical Evidence Points to Torture
Evidence collected from the scene supports the prosecution’s claims of torture, with items including a loaded firearm, chainsaw, and cattle prod found at the townhouse. Other disturbing materials, such as hacksaws, buckets, tarps, and goggles, were also recovered, which prosecutors allege were intended for use in disposing of the victim’s body. Reports indicate that the suspects even tried to burn the victim by pouring tequila on him.
Alleged Victim Lured Under Threats
The prosecution stated that Woeltz and Duplessie enticed the Italian man, whose identity remains undisclosed in the indictment, to New York under the pretense of threats against his family’s safety. They purportedly claimed to have government ties and warned the victim that failure to comply would label him a terrorist. The victim reported arriving in New York on May 6, where he was allegedly held captive and tortured for his Bitcoin password. After enduring over two weeks of confinement, he managed to escape on May 23, seeking help from a traffic enforcement officer.
Legal Proceedings and Conditions of Release
Following their arrests, Woeltz and Duplessie remained in custody until they were granted bail on Wednesday. Both pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including kidnapping and assault, during their arraignment last month. As a condition of their release, they are required to surrender their passports, undergo electronic monitoring, and remain confined to their homes.
Defense and Prosecution’s Diverging Views
During the arraignment, the defense contended that there is video evidence showing the alleged victim enjoying himself, contradicting claims of torture. However, prosecutor Sarah Kahn countered that victims of abuse often do not behave in expected ways. Kahn also mentioned ongoing discussions with other law enforcement agencies that suggest past instances of torture involving Woeltz and Duplessie.
Links to Previous Allegations
In a related development, prosecutors noted a law enforcement search at a property in Kentucky associated with Woeltz, who has been dubbed the “crypto king of Kentucky.” This search reportedly uncovered writings where Woeltz contemplated kidnapping individuals to steal their cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, Duplessie has a history of being investigated for domestic violence in Switzerland, while Woeltz has faced accusations of previously holding another person for crypto ransom in Kentucky.
