Accused crypto-kidnapper held without bail during Saturday court appearance
Share this @internewscast.com

A cryptocurrency investor from Kentucky, who has been charged with kidnapping and torturing an Italian businessman to forcefully obtain his Bitcoin password, was denied bail by a Manhattan judge on Saturday.

John Woeltz is facing serious charges including first-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree assault, and possessing a weapon criminally. These allegations relate to a reported two-week-long detainment in Soho.


Suspect John Woeltz being escorted by police officers from Manhattan's 5th Precinct to Manhattan Central Booking on a Friday night
John Woeltz is a Kentucky-based cryptocurrency investor, accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian businessman in an attempt to extort his Bitcoin password. David Burns

The judge in Manhattan Criminal Court approved the request from the Manhattan District Attorney’s office to keep Woeltz, 37, held without the possibility of bail. Additionally, Woeltz is required to surrender his passport, as stated by authorities.

The victim, 28, broke out of the house of horrors Friday morning and reported his sick abuse and imprisonment to a police officer, law enforcement sources said.


A cryptocurrency investor from Kentucky is suspected of torturing an Italian tourist with a chainsaw in a sadistic, weeks-long extortion attempt to gain the password for his accounts at a ritzy Manhattan apartment
John Woeltz will face charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, second-degree assault, and criminal possession of a weapon Michael Nagle

Several Polaroids at the luxurious Prince Street pad – which Woeltz was allegedly renting for $30,000 to $40,000 a month – showed the victim being tied up with electrical wire and tortured, as well as one of him bound to a chair with a gun pointed at his head, the sources said.

He was also tased while his feet were put in water, pistol-whipped, forced to take cocaine and threatened to have his limbs chopped off with an electric chainsaw while being held captive, according to the sources.

First-degree kidnapping is a felony in New York and can carry a sentence of up to 25 years behind bars.

This is a developing story. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Advocates call on Mamdani to dramatically expand discounted subway and bus fare program

Advocates Urge Mamdani to Broaden Access to Affordable Public Transit Options

A coalition of over 36 advocacy and nonprofit organizations has united in…
Team USA’s Ryan Cochran-Siegle takes the silver in Olympic super-G

Ryan Cochran-Siegle Shines with Silver in Olympic Super-G for Team USA

BORMIO, Italy — Franjo von Allmen shrugged and gestured with his gloves,…
Man charged in NYC antisemitic stabbing is released on bail

Controversial Release: NYC Antisemitic Stabbing Suspect Out on Bail Sparks Outrage

A young man, aged 23, has been charged with a hate crime…
Investigation underway after Oceanway foot chase ends in fatal officer-involved shooting

Authorities Launch Investigation Following Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting Concluding Oceanway Pursuit

A police-involved shooting in Jacksonville has left residents unsettled as authorities investigate…
A 15-week 'Walk for Peace' concludes with Buddhist monks' arrival in Washington

Buddhist Monks Conclude 15-Week ‘Walk for Peace’ with Inspiring Arrival in Washington, D.C.

A group of Buddhist monks completed their remarkable 15-week journey on foot…
Trans lover of Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin spotted after going into hiding, moving out of state

Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Assassin’s Trans Partner Emerges from Hiding and Relocates Out of State

According to recent reports, Lance Twiggs, known as the partner of Tyler…
US diplomat fired for romantic relationship with woman with ties to Chinese Communist Party

Alleged Chinese Crime Ring Accused of Enlisting Navy Personnel in Fake Marriage Scheme for Base Entry

In Florida, authorities have pressed charges against eleven individuals linked to a…
Coast Guard veteran, wife and two children found dead inside Florida home

Tragic Discovery: Family of Four, Including Coast Guard Veteran, Found Deceased in Florida Residence

An ex-Coast Guard member, along with his spouse and two children, were…
James Van Der Beek death: 'Dawson's Creek' actor dies at 48

Tragic Loss: ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star James Van Der Beek Passes Away at 48

James Van Der Beek, widely recognized for his role in the teenage…
Trump meets Netanyahu, says he wants Iran deal but reminds Tehran of ‘Midnight Hammer’ operation

Trump Engages with Netanyahu, Expresses Desire for Iran Deal while Citing ‘Midnight Hammer’ Operation

Trump, Netanyahu meet at White House amid Iran talks Peter Doocy from…
‘Dawson’s Creek’ star James Van Der Beek dead at 48 after cancer battle

James Van Der Beek, Star of ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ Passes Away at 48 Following Cancer Battle

Actor James Van Der Beek, famously known for his role in “Dawson’s…
Woman had argued with father in Texas over Trump before deadly shooting: UK investigation

Texas Tragedy: Dispute Over Trump Leads to Fatal Shooting, UK Probe Reveals

A tragic incident unfolded when a British woman was shot and killed…