New York Man Denied Bail Over Alleged Bitcoin Ransom, Torture Plot
A Manhattan grand jury indicted William Duplessie, 32, for his role in the kidnapping and torture of an Italian crypto investor. Duplessie faces charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and weapons possession. He and John Woeltz, 37, allegedly lured the victim to a Soho townhouse on May 6, threatening the victim's family. Woeltz was denied bail after a hearing where his attorney highlighted his lack of a criminal record and professional success. The victim, held captive for 17 days, endured torture, including being dangled from a staircase and forced to smoke cocaine. The victim escaped on May 23 after pretending to agree to surrender their Bitcoin password. Police later found various weapons and disturbing evidence at the townhouse. A third individual, Beatrice Folchi, was also charged but released pending investigation. Indictments for Duplessie and Woeltz will remain sealed until June 11.
