NYC Crypto Kidnapping Suspect John Woeltz Released on $1M Bond

John Woeltz, accused alongside William Duplessie of kidnapping and torturing an Italian crypto investor in a Manhattan SoHo townhouse to steal his Bitcoin password, was released on $1 million bail with an electronic monitor and home confinement restrictions. Prosecutors allege the victim was held for 17 days, subjected to physical abuse including being shocked with electrical wires, forced to smoke crack, and threatened with being thrown from a staircase. Despite prosecutors' concerns that Woeltz has the means to flee, including private jets and helicopters, the judge granted bail while Duplessie remains in custody. Both men have pleaded not guilty, contending that the victim participated willingly in activities during the alleged captivity. The victim escaped by running barefoot and bloodied to a nearby police officer, and authorities found evidence supporting his account, including drugs and weapons in the townhouse. Additionally, two NYPD officers linked to Mayor Eric Adams’ security detail were placed on modified duty amid the investigation related to transporting the victim to the captors’ home.