Suspects in NYC Crypto Torture Case Plead Not Guilty to Serious Charges
By Aaron Katersky and Meredith Deliso, ABC News
June 11, 2025 — In a harrowing case that has captured national attention, two men were arraigned in a Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday following accusations of torturing an Italian businessman in an attempt to steal his cryptocurrency. John Woeltz and William Duplessie face multiple charges including kidnapping, assault, and coercion, with prosecutors indicating that there may be additional victims linked to their activities.
Court Appearance and Charges
The arraignment came after a grand jury indicted Woeltz and Duplessie on a total of twelve charges related to their alleged criminal conduct. During the hearing, Judge Gregory Carro ordered the defendants to be held without bail until their next court appearance scheduled for July 15. Both men appeared in court handcuffed and dressed in jumpsuits, confronting serious allegations that have drawn widespread media scrutiny.
As part of the prosecution’s case, Assistant District Attorney Sarah Kahn detailed the graphic nature of the alleged abuse, claiming that the victim was not only physically assaulted but subjected to horrifying torture methods. Kahn displayed what she described as a disturbing photo of the victim on fire, alleging that the defendants used tequila to ignite the victim before extinguishing the flames by urinating on him. Additionally, it was reported that they held a pistol to the victim and utilized a chainsaw during the course of the torture.
Defenses and Counterclaims
The defense team for Woeltz and Duplessie entered not guilty pleas and sought to discredit the prosecution’s claims. Defense attorney Sam Talkin, representing Duplessie, argued that there existed video evidence demonstrating the purported victim engaging in normal, carefree activities that contradict the narrative of him being a victim of torture. Talkin noted a video from an eyeglass store, reportedly captured just 36 hours before the victim managed to escape, which shows him smoking a cigarette alone on the street.
Kahn responded to these claims, asserting that the behaviors of abuse victims do not always align with societal expectations, emphasizing the psychological complexities faced by those who endure such trauma.
Circumstances Surrounding the Alleged Crimes
According to the complaint, the victim, a 28-year-old man whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was lured to New York City under the pretext of threats against his family. After arriving in the city on May 6, the man was taken to Woeltz’s opulent townhouse in SoHo, where he reportedly endured relentless torture over a two-week period in order to extract his Bitcoin password.
The situation culminated in the victim’s dramatic escape on May 23, when he managed to flee the townhouse and approached a traffic enforcement officer for assistance. The subsequent investigation led to the arrests of Woeltz and Duplessie, who are now facing the repercussions of their alleged actions.
Looking Ahead
As the case proceeds, it is expected to unravel more details about the alleged crimes and potentially reveal other victims connected to Woeltz and Duplessie’s activities. The legal team for both defendants has yet to publicly comment in depth on the broader implications of the case or their strategy moving forward.
This incident underscores not only the rising concerns surrounding cryptocurrency-related crimes but also the deep-seated issues of violence and exploitation that can occur within this growing digital economy. The court will reconvene next month, and the legal proceedings are anticipated to draw considerable public interest as they unfold.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, stay tuned to ABC News.
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