Second Suspect Detained in NYC Torture Case Involving Crypto Investor
In a shocking development in New York City, authorities have detained a second suspect linked to the alleged torture of an Italian man by two cryptocurrency investors over a Bitcoin password. The incident has raised serious concerns about the lengths to which individuals may go in the pursuit of financial gain.
Details of the Incident
William Duplessie, the second suspect, voluntarily surrendered to a Manhattan police precinct on Tuesday morning. He is facing severe charges that include first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm, according to a spokesperson for the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The primary suspect, 37-year-old John Woeltz, was arrested after the victim managed to escape from their SoHo townhouse. Woeltz was seen in handcuffs, dressed in a robe and barefoot, outside his residence shortly after the victim reached out to the police for help.
The allegations stem from an incident that reportedly began on May 6, when the victim, a former business partner of Woeltz and Duplessie, arrived at an address on Prince Street. According to a criminal complaint, the victim was forced to surrender all electronic devices and his passport, essentially eliminating his ability to communicate or call for help.
Allegations of Torture
The victim has recounted a harrowing experience, stating that upon stopping his captors from accessing his Bitcoin password, he was subjected to severe physical abuse for nearly three weeks. The complaint alleges that Woeltz and Duplessie employed a variety of torturous methods, including the use of electric wires to shock him, beatings with a firearm that resulted in visible lacerations, and threats to kill him and harm his family if he did not comply.
Additionally, the victim was reportedly restrained and hung over a ledge during one of the episodes, highlighting the extreme measures reportedly taken by the suspects to obtain the Bitcoin information.
Response and Developments
After managing to escape, the victim alerted a nearby traffic officer, prompting a police response to the scene around 10 a.m. on Friday. Eyewitness accounts describe a tense atmosphere as multiple police units, including SWAT teams, rushed to the location to handle the situation.
In relation to this case, a 24-year-old woman was also taken into custody. However, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has stated that they are currently withholding prosecution of her case pending further investigation.
Conclusion
The detainment of both William Duplessie and John Woeltz underscores the grave issues surrounding violent crime in urban areas, particularly as they relate to the burgeoning world of cryptocurrency. As investigations continue, both suspects face significant repercussions for the severe allegations against them.
This alarming case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with cryptocurrency transactions and the extreme measures some individuals are willing to take in the pursuit of digital wealth. The legal proceedings ahead will further unveil the depths of this troubling incident and its implications in the ongoing conversation about safety in the realm of cryptocurrency.
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