Suspects in NYC crypto kidnapping and torture case receive million bond.

A Manhattan judge granted bail to two suspects accused of a severe crime involving the kidnapping and torture of an Italian man in a SoHo apartment. The judge’s decision, made on Wednesday, has stirred public interest and concern over the nature of the allegations and the implications of the case.

William Duplessie, 33, and John Woeltz, 37, both from Kentucky, are accused of holding Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan captive for several weeks in May, during which they allegedly inflicted brutal acts of violence in pursuit of his cryptocurrency password. The prosecution has outlined a shocking scenario involving waterboarding, beatings while restrained, electric shocks, and other forms of physical abuse. Prosecutors have further alleged that the victim was subjected to humiliation, including being urinated on and set on fire.

During the bail hearing, Judge Gregory Carro determined that Duplessie and Woeltz could be released under strict conditions, including a million-dollar bond and home confinement. If they secure their release, Duplessie is set to stay with his father in Florida, while Woeltz would seek accommodation in Manhattan. The judge humorously noted potential complications concerning the use of cryptocurrency for securing bail, reflecting an understanding of the unique circumstances surrounding the suspects’ financial dealings.

The duo has pleaded not guilty to a range of charges, including assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and possession of a firearm, with potential sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison if convicted. Their legal representation has suggested that the actions of Duplessie and Woeltz could be misconstrued as mere college “hazing” rather than torture, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the events as depicted by the defense.

Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan also revealed that prosecutors had uncovered a manifesto allegedly authored by the defendants, outlining plans to target individuals for their cryptocurrency. This document was described as detailing methods intended to break the victim’s will through intermittent violence.

The disturbing episode came to light only after Carturan managed to escape from the townhouse, flagging down a nearby traffic agent while bleeding and without shoes. Law enforcement continues to scrutinize the case, with Duplessie and Woeltz scheduled to return to court on October 15. The proceedings will undoubtedly contribute to broader discussions on the intersection of crime and the increasingly volatile world of cryptocurrency.

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