Bitcoin Millionaire Waterboarding Case: Kidnappers Seek Bail Amid Outcry
bitcoin Millionaire Kidnapping: Shocking Allegations of Torture in Manhattan
Disturbing Details Emerge from Court Documents
Recent court filings have unveiled harrowing accounts of the alleged torture endured by an Italian bitcoin millionaire during a two-week abduction in a luxurious Manhattan townhouse valued at $24 million. Prosecutors claim that the victim faced a series of brutal assaults, including being pistol-whipped, set on fire, and even attacked with a small chainsaw, all in an effort to extract his bitcoin password.
Accused Kidnappers Seek Bail
The two men charged in this shocking case, cryptocurrency investors William Duplessie, 37, from Miami, and John Woeltz, 37, from Kentucky, are scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. They will request a release on $1 million bail each, proposing to serve their confinement at their parents’ homes.
During their previous court appearance in June, the defendants’ legal representatives asserted that the claims of kidnapping and torture are entirely fabricated. Notably, Justice Gregory Carro, who is overseeing this case, is also involved in another high-profile murder trial.
Defense Claims the Victim Was Willing
The alleged victim, Michael Carturan, 28, was reportedly a friend and business associate of Duplessie and Woeltz. The defense contends that Carturan was present at the townhouse voluntarily, describing the situation as a lengthy party lasting 17 days. They have presented video evidence showing Carturan engaging in various activities, including drug use and sexual encounters, while allegedly wearing a BDSM collar.
Defense attorney Sanford Talkin argued that surveillance footage captures Carturan freely walking around the neighborhood, shopping for eyeglasses, and even taking a stroll with a dog walker, suggesting he could have sought help at any moment.
Prosecutors Present a Contrasting Narrative
Prosecutor Sarah Khan has painted a starkly different picture, supported by photographic evidence. She expressed her intention to show the court images depicting the victim being set on fire, although she clarified that the flames were extinguished before any serious burns occurred. According to Khan, the defendants would allegedly pour tequila on Carturan, ignite him, and then douse the flames, sometimes using their own urine.
On May 23, Carturan reportedly fled the townhouse barefoot, seeking assistance from law enforcement, with visible injuries to his head and face. Khan emphasized that victims of abuse may not always react in expected ways, suggesting that Carturan was coerced into posing for photographs to create the illusion of voluntary participation.
Previous Allegations Against the Defendants
Khan also indicated that this is not the first time Duplessie and Woeltz have been implicated in similar crimes, mentioning two other victims from separate incidents. This revelation may play a significant role in the upcoming bail hearing.
Evidence Seized from the Scene
Authorities have disclosed that they recovered a variety of items from the eight-bedroom, six-floor rental property, which costs over $30,000 per month. The seized evidence includes a loaded firearm, knives, hacksaws, a chainsaw, zip ties, plastic buckets, and a cattle prod. Additionally, items described as “pants with burn” and a “wooden paddle with signatures” were found.
Woeltz reportedly downplayed the significance of the items when confronted by police shortly after Carturan’s escape. Prosecutors are currently analyzing 30 cellphones and laptops taken from the residence, along with 30 cryptocurrency storage devices. So far, three of the recovered phones have yielded evidence, including photos and messages that allegedly support claims of torture and control.
Potential Consequences for the Defendants
Both Duplessie and Woeltz have vowed to contest the charges against them. If convicted of the primary kidnapping charge, they could face life imprisonment. The upcoming court proceedings are expected to shed further light on this disturbing case.
