Bitcoin Feud Leads to Brutal NYC Hostage Drama

In the heart of New York City, a high-stakes cryptocurrency dispute escalated into a horrifying ordeal. Two men, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, are accused of holding an Italian man captive in a lavish townhouse for over two weeks. This is not just a tale of greed but a stark reminder of the dark side of the digital currency world. The victim, a 28-year-old Italian, was tricked into traveling to New York. Woeltz and Duplessie allegedly threatened his family, forcing him to make the journey. Upon arrival, his nightmare began. He was stripped of his belongings, bound, and subjected to brutal torture. The methods used were chilling: electric shocks, beatings, and even forced drug use. The captors went as far as sawing his leg and hanging him over a ledge, demanding his Bitcoin password. The townhouse, a supposed symbol of luxury, became a chamber of horrors. Prosecutors found a saw, crack cocaine, and even Polaroid pictures of the victim with a gun to his head. The place was a crime scene, with bloodstains marking the spots where the victim was tortured. The victim's escape was a miracle. He tricked his captors into thinking he would give them the password, then fled when they left him alone. The suspects, Woeltz and Duplessie, are now facing serious charges. Woeltz, known as the "crypto king of Kentucky, " was arrested and denied bail. Duplessie turned himself in but was also denied bail. Both have pleaded not guilty, but the evidence against them is damning. They face up to life in prison if convicted. A 24-year-old woman was also arrested but is not currently being prosecuted. The case raises questions about the dangers lurking in the cryptocurrency world. It's a stark reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of digital wealth, there can be a dark and twisted underbelly. The victim's ordeal is a wake-up call for anyone involved in cryptocurrency dealings. It's not just about making money; it's about understanding the risks and the potential for violence. The NYPD is still investigating, and more suspects may be identified. This case is far from over, and the true extent of the horror may yet be revealed.