Judge denies bail to crypto investor charged with kidnapping and torturing man in posh NYC townhouse
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK (AP) — A cryptocurrency investor faces a grand jury indictment for allegedly kidnapping and torturing a man over several weeks in a luxury Manhattan townhouse, intending to obtain the victim’s Bitcoin.

John Woeltz, 37, has been jailed since his arrest Friday outside the luxury rental, where an Italian national told police he was severely beaten, drugged, shocked with electrical wires and dangled over a ledge by captors seeking the password to his digital assets.

Woeltz’s alleged accomplice, William Duplessie, surrendered to police Tuesday and is awaiting his own indictment.

At the hearing Thursday, an attorney for Woeltz requested his client be released on a $2 million bond, citing his lack of criminal record, philosophy degree and professional accomplishments.

“He’s been very successful in the technology world,” the attorney, Wayne Gosnell, told a Manhattan judge, adding that his client “has every intention to fight this case.”

The judge denied bail for Woeltz, who did not appear in court.

Gosnell also requested that Woeltz not be required to turn over firearms that he legally owns in Kentucky. And he disputed the prosecutor’s earlier claims that his client owned a private jet and helicopter.

“He has no means to flee,” Gosnell said.

Woeltz has described himself in interviews as a blockchain investor who spent time in Silicon Valley before returning to Kentucky’s burgeoning crypto-mining industry.

Authorities have said Woeltz and Duplessie, another cryptocurrency investor, knew the victim personally.

On May 6, they lured the man — whose name has not been released by officials — to a posh townhouse in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood, one of the city’s most expensive, by threatening to kill his family.

The man said he was then held captive for 17 days, as the two investors tormented him with electrical wires, forced him to smoke from a crack pipe and at one point dangled him from a staircase five stories high.

He eventually agreed to hand over his computer password Friday morning, then managed to flee the home as his captors went to retrieve the device. The victim made it onto the street, bloodied and shoeless, according to police.

A search of the townhouse turned up cocaine, a saw, chicken wire, body armor, night vision goggles, ammunition and polaroid photos of the victim with a gun pointed to his head, according to prosecutors.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
YouTube TV, Disney agree to deal to bring ESPN back to streaming platform

Breaking News: ESPN Returns to YouTube TV as Disney Seals Game-Changing Deal!

The lengthy impasse between YouTube TV and Disney has come to an…
Winning ticket for $980 million Mega Millions jackpot sold in Georgia

Georgia Lottery Winner Hits Jackpot: $980 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold

A record-breaking payout has just made history in Georgia. ATLANTA — A…
China immediately begins trialing its most advanced amphibious assault ship

China Launches Trial of State-of-the-Art Amphibious Assault Ship, Marking Milestone in Naval Advancements

China has embarked on sea trials for its most sophisticated amphibious assault…
Gov. Hochul must close this abusive state prison

Governor Hochul Urged to Shut Down Controversial State Prison Amid Abuse Allegations

It’s imperative that Governor Hochul takes decisive action to shut down Marcy…
Charlotte bus stabbing suspect arrested 15 times in 3 years, freed weeks before attack

Repeat Offender Arrested: Charlotte Bus Stabbing Suspect Previously Detained 15 Times in 3 Years

EXCLUSIVE ON FOX: The suspect in last week’s Charlotte bus stabbing had…
Judge: Democrat LaMonica McIver Must Stand Trial for Assaulting Federal Agents at ICE Facility

Democrat LaMonica McIver Faces Trial Over Alleged Assault on Federal Agents at ICE Facility

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has decreed that Representative…
Dem Sen. Cory Booker Does Not Shy Away From Answering Query About Chuck Schumer’s Future

Senator Cory Booker Addresses Questions on Chuck Schumer’s Future with Confidence

Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey has recently brought to light a…
DHS deports illegal migrant charged with violent crimes who'd been aided by judge to avoid ICE arrest

DHS Deports Migrant with Criminal Charges After Judge’s Intervention Delays ICE Arrest

A Mexican national, who reportedly received help from a Wisconsin judge to…
Kim Jong-un sends troops to Russia to clear deadly minefields for Putin’s war

North Korean Troops Deployed to Assist Russia in Minefield Clearance Amid Ongoing Conflict

Recently unveiled photos from Russia’s defense ministry depict North Korean troops engaged…
South Carolina triple murderer set to be third man to die by firing squad in state this year

South Carolina Prepares for Execution of Third Inmate by Firing Squad in 2023

A South Carolina man convicted of murdering three individuals over two decades…
Newlyweds found dead days before celebrating their first anniversary: police

Tragic End: Newlywed Couple’s Lives Cut Short in Apparent Murder-Suicide Just Days Before Anniversary

Editor’s Note: This article discusses sensitive topics, including suicide. If you or…
'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving' is streaming for free this weekend. Here's how to watch

Stream ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ for Free This Weekend: Your Ultimate Viewing Guide

This weekend presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving…