Prominent Case of Alleged Torture and Kidnapping Unfolds
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Accused Torturer Released on Bond
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This week marked the release of John Woeltz, a 37-year-old accused of heinous acts, after spending two months incarcerated. Woeltz walked free from Rikers Island on Thursday, having posted a substantial $1 million bond. His alleged accomplice, William Duplessie, aged 33, remains detained.
Details of the Alleged Crime
A chilling report revealed that Woeltz and Duplessie allegedly coerced Italian crypto trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan into surrendering his bitcoin credentials. Carturan, who is 28 years old, was reportedly confined in a Manhattan townhouse for a duration of three weeks. During this time, his electronic gadgets and passport were confiscated to prevent access to his cryptocurrency, estimated to be valued at $100 million. The duo purportedly documented their plot in a manifesto aimed at seizing Carturan’s digital assets.
Release Conditions and Legal Proceedings
Manhattan Supreme Court sanctioned a $1 million bond for both Woeltz and Duplessie. Woeltz’s release was secured by his father’s contribution of cash and property. Under his release conditions, Woeltz is restricted to home confinement, permitted to leave only for medical appointments, legal consultations, or emergencies, and is mandated to wear an electronic monitoring device to ensure compliance with these terms.
Legal Charges and Defense Standpoints
Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas to the charges of kidnapping and torture. The defense has portrayed the incident as a form of “fraternity-like hazing,” suggesting that Carturan was participating as a pledge and that the behavior was akin to traditional collegiate initiation practices.
Prosecutors dispute this narrative, alleging that Carturan suffered physical abuse, including being beaten with electric wires, assaulted with a firearm, and threatened with death if he refused to divulge his bitcoin passwords. The ordeal purportedly included being dragged up stairs, held precariously over a ledge, and subjected to dehumanizing treatment, including forced drug consumption and public humiliation.
Case Developments and Security Implications
The next court appearance for Woeltz and Duplessie is scheduled for October 15. Legal analysts note that protracted pre-trial delays are typical in high-profile legal battles. This case underscores the vulnerabilities associated with storing substantial wealth behind a single password. While robust security measures and backup plans are advisable, they may not fully mitigate the risk of criminal endeavors, as illustrated by Carturan’s harrowing experience.
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