NYC suspects in crypto kidnapping and torture case receive million bond.
In a significant legal development, two men charged with the alleged kidnapping and torture of an Italian crypto trader in a lavish SoHo apartment have been granted bail by a Manhattan judge. On Wednesday, State Supreme Court Judge Gregory Carro ruled that William Duplessie, 33, and John Woeltz, 37, both from Kentucky, could be released into home confinement under strict conditions and a million-dollar bond. Their attorneys indicated that if they post bail, Duplessie will reside with his father in Florida, while Woeltz will secure accommodation in Manhattan.
Duplessie and Woeltz face serious allegations related to a shocking incident that purportedly took place over three weeks in May within a million townhouse located at the intersection of Prince and Mulberry Streets. Prosecutors have alleged that the defendants subjected the victim, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, to extreme physical and psychological torment, including waterboarding, beatings, electric shocks, and even setting him on fire. Disturbingly, prosecutors also noted that the victim was allegedly humiliated further by being urinated on during his confinement.
The charges against Duplessie and Woeltz include assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and possession of a firearm—a combination of offenses that could result in prison sentences ranging from 15 years to life if they are convicted. At the bail hearing, both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, asserting that their actions were mischaracterized. Woeltz’s defense attorney, Wayne Gosnell, suggested that the behavior displayed was akin to “frat house” antics rather than torture. Furthermore, Duplessie’s attorney, Sanford Talkin, contended that video footage from inside the townhouse may reveal Carturan engaging in activities that diverge from the prosecution’s narrative.
During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan emphasized the gravity of the situation, disclosing that authorities discovered a manifesto created by the suspects which outlined plans to target crypto traders, indicating a premeditated scheme to exploit foreign nationals for their digital assets.
The arrest of Duplessie and Woeltz followed a dramatic escape by the victim, who, bleeding and barefoot, managed to flee the townhouse and sought help from a traffic agent.
Both suspects are scheduled to return to court on October 15, as the nature of the alleged crimes continues to raise significant concern within the community regarding the intersection of crime and emerging digital currencies.
