Two NYPD Detectives Under Investigation Tied to Alleged Crypto Torture Case
By Mark Crudele and Aaron Katersky, ABC News
New York, NY — Two detectives from the New York Police Department (NYPD) have been placed on modified duty amid an investigation into their connections with a Manhattan townhouse linked to a horrifying case of alleged torture involving a cryptocurrency entrepreneur. City officials have confirmed that neither of the detectives had prior knowledge of any illegal activities occurring at the location.
Connection to the Case
According to sources, one detective, a 20-year veteran currently assigned to the NYPD’s Executive Protection Unit, was off-duty when he transported the alleged victim from the airport to the SoHo townhouse on May 6, 2025. This detective has been part of the team responsible for securing locations before the mayor’s public appearances since December 2021. He reportedly worked for one of the two suspects in an off-duty capacity at the time he provided the ride.
A second detective has also come under scrutiny for allegedly being employed by one of the suspects in a similar off-duty security role.
NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau is currently examining the duration of their employment with the crypto suspect and whether it conformed to departmental approval guidelines. Members of the NYPD must adhere to strict protocol regarding outside employment, particularly in roles related to private security.
City Officials Respond
City officials have stated that both detectives were unaware of any wrongful or unlawful behavior linked to the townhouse. Additionally, it has been emphasized that neither the mayor nor other city officials had any connections to the two suspects involved in the case.
"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," a City Hall spokesperson commented in a statement. The city maintains a strong expectation that all employees, including law enforcement officers, are bound to follow the law.
Defense and Legal Stance
James Moschella, attorney for the Detectives’ Endowment Association, expressed that the detectives were engaged in a legitimate off-duty job which involved driving a private business client. He further argued that it would have been impossible to foresee the violent events that unfolded, stating, “There is simply no way to have predicted the true activities of what by all objective accounts were legitimate businessmen.” Moschella has called for the public to refrain from premature judgment of the detectives until the complete facts of the investigation are revealed.
The Alleged Crime
The case emerged after two men, John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 33, were arrested and charged with kidnapping and assault. The alleged victim, a 28-year-old man from Italy, was reported to have been held captive for weeks, subjected to brutal treatment as the suspects sought access to his bitcoin password. The complaints detail harrowing accounts of physical abuse, including beatings, electric shocks, and being struck with a firearm.
The victim managed to escape the townhouse on May 23, 2025, and sought help from a traffic enforcement officer. Following the escape, Woeltz and Duplessie were taken into custody and later denied bail at their court appearances. Court records indicate that Duplessie pleaded not guilty, while Woeltz has recently been indicted by a grand jury, with court proceedings pending.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, further investigations into the detectives’ potential misconduct and the ongoing legal proceedings against Woeltz and Duplessie are closely monitored by the public and law enforcement officials. The situation presents complex implications for those involved, and city officials remain vigilant in addressing the underlying issues of accountability and oversight within the police department.
For ongoing updates regarding this case, stay tuned to ABC News.
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