NYPD Detectives Under Investigation in Connection with Alleged Crypto Torture Case
Two detectives from the New York Police Department (NYPD) have been placed on modified duty as they face scrutiny for their involvement in a disturbing case involving allegations of torture at a Manhattan townhouse. The incident centers around an Italian businessman, accused of holding and abusing an alleged victim in a series of brutal events related to cryptocurrency.
The Allegations
The investigation follows shocking reports that the victim, a 28-year-old man from Italy, was subjected to multiple forms of torture, including beatings, electric shock, and threats involving firearms. The alleged torture stemmed from demands for access to the victim’s bitcoin password. The man managed to escape the townhouse on May 23, 2025, fleeing to a nearby traffic enforcement officer for help. Following his report, authorities arrested two suspects, John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, who are now facing charges of kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment.
Detectives’ Connection
Sources indicate that one of the detectives, a 20-year veteran assigned to the NYPD’s Executive Protection Unit, drove the victim to the townhouse on May 6. At the time, he was reportedly working off-duty as a security detail for one of the suspects. Officials have confirmed that this detective had no prior knowledge of any illegal activities occurring at the location.
The second detective was also employed in a similar capacity for one of the crypto suspects, prompting an investigation by the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau. This inquiry will determine the extent of their employment with the suspects and whether proper approvals were obtained, as NYC police officers are required to follow stringent guidelines regarding outside employment, particularly in private security.
Official Statements
City hall officials stated, "Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty. We are disturbed by these allegations, and as soon as it came to our attention, the officers were placed on modified duty. The investigation is ongoing." They stressed that neither detective was aware of any illicit behavior taking place at the townhouse.
James Moschella, an attorney for the Detectives’ Endowment Association, defended the officers, asserting that they were performing legitimate job duties and should not be judged until all facts are presented. “There is simply no way to have predicted the true activities of what by all objective accounts were legitimate businessmen,” he stated. He further emphasized the detectives’ likely reaction had they witnessed any illegal activity, suggesting that they would have acted to stop it.
Current Legal Proceedings
In the ongoing court proceedings, both Woeltz and Duplessie have been denied bail following their initial court appearances. Duplessie has pleaded not guilty to the arraignment charges. Meanwhile, Woeltz is set to face a grand jury indictment, which remains sealed until his arraignment on June 11. Neither suspect’s attorney provided comments to the press concerning the case.
The investigation into the detectives’ involvement underlines the NYPD’s commitment to transparency and accountability, as the situation raises serious concerns about the influence of external factors on law enforcement personnel and their ability to execute their responsibilities effectively.
As this case continues to develop, further details and outcomes of the investigation into the detectives and the ongoing legal formats involving the suspects will be closely monitored.
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