A crypto investor is charged with kidnapping and torturing a man in an NYC apartment for weeks
Share this @internewscast.com

NEW YORK (AP) — A cryptocurrency investor has been detained and accused of abducting a man, confining him for weeks in a luxury apartment in Manhattan. Authorities report that during this time, the individual was physically assaulted, subjected to electric shocks, and terrorized into believing his family’s safety was at risk unless he revealed his Bitcoin password.

John Woeltz, aged 37, was taken into custody Friday evening after the victim managed to flee the lavish eight-bedroom townhouse and sought assistance from a traffic officer on the street, as stated by prosecutors.

Woeltz faced charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment, and illegal firearm possession during his arraignment on Saturday, court records reveal. He was held without the option of bail, as confirmed by a representative from the Manhattan district attorney’s office on Saturday.

His lawyer, Wayne Gosnell, said Saturday in an email that he had no comment.

The 28-year-old victim arrived in New York City from Italy in early May, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official was not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation and did so on condition of anonymity.

It’s not clear how or if the two knew each other, but the district attorney’s office said in an email that prosecutor Michael Mattson told a judge Saturday that the victim, whose name has not been released, was abducted on May 6.

Mattson said others were involved in the scheme to empty the victim’s Bitcoin wallet. That includes a person referred to in court records as an “unapprehended male.”

The victim said he was bound by the wrists and tortured for weeks inside the apartment. His captors, according to prosecutors, drugged him, used electric wires to shock him, hit him in the head with a firearm and, at one point, carried him to the top of a flight of stairs where they dangled him over a ledge and threatened to kill him if he didn’t share his Bitcoin password.

Believing that he was about to be shot, the victim was able to escape Friday after telling Woeltz that he would give up his password, which was stored on his laptop in another room. When the suspect turned his back, Mattson said, the victim ran out of the apartment.

The victim was taken to a hospital and treated for injuries that Mattson said were consistent with his descriptions of being bound and assaulted.

A search of the town house turned up a trove of evidence, Mattson said, including cocaine, a saw, chicken wire, body armor and night vision goggles, ammunition and polaroid photos of the victim with a gun pointed to his head.

Woeltz was ordered Saturday to surrender his passport. Prosecutors said he has the means to flee, including a private jet and a helicopter. He is due back in Manhattan criminal court next week.

___

Yamat reported from Las Vegas. Associated Press writers Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, and Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ted cruz, eric johnson, daniel comeaux speaks during conference

Dallas Mayor Criticizes Police Chief’s Solo Move to Turn Down $25M ICE Grant, Sparking Controversy

In Dallas, a debate has erupted among city leaders over the role…
No CTA trains will run on Chicago Loop elevated rails this weekend for track work, including Brown, Green, Orange and Pink lines

Chicago Loop Train Shutdown: No CTA Service on Brown, Green, Orange, and Pink Lines This Weekend Due to Track Maintenance

Attention, commuters! This weekend, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced a…
Celebrities from Prince Harry to Steve Bannon call for ban on AI 'superintelligence.' What is it?

Why Celebrities Like Prince Harry and Steve Bannon Are Demanding a Ban on AI Superintelligence

(NEXSTAR) – An open letter urging the cessation of progress in “superintelligence”…
Baby humpback whale meets tragic end off New Jersey coast in suspected propeller strike

Tragic Loss: Young Humpback Whale Falls Victim to Suspected Propeller Accident off New Jersey Coast

A young humpback whale, found stranded near Long Beach Island, New Jersey,…
Massie Faces Trump-Backed Primary Challenge Kentucky Race

Massie vs. Trump: High-Stakes Showdown in Kentucky’s Pivotal Primary Race

Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie is preparing for a fierce primary battle…
Cheerleader dies after being shot at high school bonfire, remembered for having 'spunk to her step'

Tragic Loss: Beloved Cheerleader Fatally Shot at High School Bonfire, Celebrated for Her Spirited Legacy

Tragedy struck a high school gathering in Pinson, Alabama, when a young…
Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

Man Arrested for Allegedly Filming Students in Porta-Potties, Faces Extensive List of Charges

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered…
Los Angeles teacher says ICE agents are 'not the only ones with guns' following shooting of federal agent

Los Angeles Teacher Sparks Controversy with Bold Statement on Guns After ICE Agent Shooting

A Los Angeles high school history teacher, who is a prominent voice…
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
Immigrant rights group calls for removing pregnant women from detention

Advocacy Group Urges Release of Expectant Mothers from Detention Facilities

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Pregnant women detained by U.S. immigration authorities…
Virginia GOP candidate holds debate with AI bot of opponent

Virginia GOP Candidate Engages in Historic Debate Against AI-Generated Opponent in Political First

An unexpected twist emerged in the Virginia lieutenant governor’s race on Tuesday…