Crypto Kidnapping Case: A Tale of Torture or Just Frat Fun?
USA, ManhattanThu Jul 24 2025
Two men, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, are in hot water. They're accused of some seriously messed up stuff. The cops say they kidnapped an Italian guy, Michael Carturan, and tortured him to get his Bitcoin. They even wrote a weird plan about it. But the guys' lawyers say it was all just a wild party gone too far.
The judge had to decide if these two should stay locked up or if they could go home while waiting for their trial. The prosecutor wanted them to stay behind bars, saying they're dangerous. But the judge said they could go free if they pay a million dollars each. And no, they can't pay in Bitcoin.
The cops found a manifesto at Woeltz's place. It talked about stealing crypto from bad people. But the lawyers said it was all just part of a crazy, consensual party. They even called it "hazing, " like what happens in some fraternities. They said Carturan was okay with the wild stuff, including drugs, alcohol, and even orgies.
But the prosecutor wasn't having it. She said the texts and videos showed real torture. She talked about chainsaws, cattle prods, and even plans to dispose of a body. She said the guys used drugs, violence, and sex to control Carturan.
The judge finally let them go, but they have to stay home and wear ankle monitors. Woeltz is looking for a place in New York, and Duplessie is heading to Florida. But they better not try to pay their bail with Bitcoin.
This whole thing is crazy. It's like a mix of a crypto heist and a bad frat party. But the judge had to decide based on the facts. And the facts are pretty messed up.
https://localnews.ai/article/crypto-kidnapping-case-a-tale-of-torture-or-just-frat-fun-d5cf30e3
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questions
What are the legal implications of the defendants' manifesto and its connection to their alleged crimes?
If the defendants' manifesto is to be believed, do they think they're the crypto version of Robin Hood?
How might the judge's decision impact future cases involving cryptocurrency and bail?
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