- Two men accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian in New York for his bitcoins have pleaded not guilty
- John Woeltz and William Duplessie deny charges of kidnapping, torture, and attempted extortion in connection with the alleged crypto-related abduction
- Defense attorneys have countered that the victim was free to come and go, was captured in party-like scenes, and that the prosecution has selectively leaked photos and video clips to mislead the court
Two men accused of orchestrating a brutal, crypto-driven kidnapping in New York City have pleaded not guilty to a series of violent felony charges. Prosecutors allege John Woeltz and William Duplessie held an Italian man hostage for nearly three weeks in a SoHo townhouse, torturing him in an attempt to force access to his multimillion-dollar Bitcoin wallet. But defense attorneys claim the alleged victim was free to come and go, and have presented photos and videos they say show him partying, shopping, and attending church during the supposed ordeal.
Shocking Allegations of Torture
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Woeltz and Duplessie lured the victim into their residence in May before restraining him and subjecting him to horrific abuse. Prosecutors say the men pistol-whipped him, inflicted cuts using a small chainsaw, shocked him with electrical wires, and even doused him in tequila before setting him on fire—allegedly extinguishing the flames with urine. The ordeal was intended, they claim, to coerce the man into handing over access to a Bitcoin wallet.
When Woeltz was later arrested in Kentucky, federal agents reportedly seized weapons, ammunition, and large sums of cash.
Defense Argues Victim Was Not a Prisoner
Attorneys representing yesterday pushed back forcefully against the charges, however, arguing that the victim was not held captive at all but instead chose to stay at the property. “The story that he is selling just doesn’t make sense,” said defense lawyer Sam Talkin, who cited video evidence of the alleged victim dining out, attending church, and laughing with others during his time at the residence. Woeltz’s attorney added that the man had “hundreds of opportunities” to leave but never did.
Prosecutors disclosed they are investigating additional potential victims who may have been subjected to similar treatment in other incidents involving the same suspects. In one case, authorities say photographic evidence shows another person being set on fire, raising concerns about a broader pattern of violence tied to digital asset extortion.
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro denied bail for both men, citing the violent nature of the allegations and the risk of flight. The case will return to court on July 15 for further proceedings.
