Second Suspect Arrested in SoHo Torture Case of Italian Man
New York City, NY – A second suspect connected to the alleged torture of an Italian man in a SoHo townhouse has been arraigned on multiple charges, including assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm. William Duplessie, 33, turned himself in to authorities at the 13th precinct on Tuesday morning, following the earlier arrest of co-suspect John Woeltz.
According to prosecutors, the horrific incidents that unfolded in the eight-bedroom townhouse started when Woeltz and Duplessie allegedly lured their victim from Italy by threatening to harm his family if he did not comply with their demands. Once in New York, the victim was stripped of his electronics and passport, bound by his wrists, and subjected to severe beatings and torture.
Assistant District Attorney Michael Mattson outlined the brutal methods employed by the suspects. Authorities allege that Woeltz carried the victim to the top of a staircase and dangled him over the ledge while threatening to kill him if he failed to provide his Bitcoin password. In a series of depraved acts, Duplessie and Woeltz reportedly used a saw to cut the victim’s leg, forced him to smoke crack cocaine by restraining him, and even urinated on him during the ordeal.
The horrifying details continue, as the victim was held captive for approximately 17 days. He managed to escape by convincing his captors that he would share the location of his Bitcoin wallet, stored on a laptop. When Woeltz left to retrieve the laptop, the victim seized the opportunity to flee down the stairs.
Detectives investigating the case uncovered shocking evidence within the townhouse, including a saw, crack cocaine, chicken wire, and numerous items depicting the victim in compromising and distressing situations. Authorities also noted the presence of blood in various areas throughout the apartment, corroborating the victim’s accounts of torture.
Judge’s Bail Decisions
The arraignment also saw debate over bail conditions for the suspects. Prosecutors managed to convince the judge to deny Woeltz bail, citing his potential flight risk due to his resources, which purportedly include access to a private jet and helicopter. Duplessie’s attorney sought a $1 million bail bond that would allow for home detention under supervision, but this request was denied by the judge. The defense argued that Duplessie had demonstrated he was not a flight risk by voluntarily surrendering to police.
Prosecutors have indicated that Duplessie faces a minimum of 15 years to life in prison, with a maximum potential sentence of 25 years to life. They are also looking into a prior conviction Duplessie may have received in Switzerland.
Townhouse Rental and Investigations
The luxurious SoHo home where this alleged torture took place is reported to have been rented for between $30,000 and $40,000 per month. It was recently put on the market for $75,000 per month, revealing the high-stakes lifestyle of those involved. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case, including interviewing two butlers who worked at the townhouse.
NYPD Chief John Chell addressed the case, stating, "They all know each other, but this was a kidnapping for roughly 17 days where they tortured this person. When I say torture, I mean forced him to take narcotics, put his feet in water, and shocked his feet among other types of torture during that time."
This shocking incident has raised concerns about the intersection of cryptocurrency and criminal enterprise, highlighting the violence that can accompany financial disputes within the digital asset space.
For more updates and details, stay connected with Eyewitness News.
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