The SoHo crypto torture case continues to develop as 32-year-old William Duplessie was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on charges related to the kidnapping and alleged torture of an Italian businessman. As reported by AP News, the indictment was issued yesterday and will remain sealed until Duplessie’s scheduled arraignment on June 11. Duplessie, along with 37-year-old John Woeltz, is accused of attempting to obtain cryptocurrency passwords from the victim over a 17-day period.
According to details revealed by ABC7NY, the Italian businessman was coerced into Woeltz's Manhattan apartment on May 6 with threats against his family's life. Duplessie and Woeltz allegedly subjected a the man to electric shock, compelled him to inhale substances through a crack pipe, and in a terrifying episode, dangled him from a staircase, five stories above the ground. The victim was able to make his escape when his captors left to retrieve his computer, after finally conceding his password. His escape onto the street, bloody and shoeless, prompted police investigation which led to the discovery of paraphernalia in the townhouse.
Further complicating the case, two NYPD detectives have found themselves under internal investigation for their roles providing private security at one of the suspect's residences. "There is absolutely no indication that any officer witnessed any of the alleged illegal activity at that location or by any of the people involved," a statement from the detectives' union said in response to the allegations. The detectives, who have been placed on modified duty, await the results of an Internal Affairs inquiry as per ABC7NY.
Authorities recovered several items from the townhouse, including cocaine, a saw, chicken wire, body armor, night vision goggles, ammunition, and Polaroid photographs showing the victim with a firearm pointed at his head. The case includes reports that NYPD detectives transported the victim from the airport to the property, which is under review. Police are also investigating the potential involvement of two women associated with the suspects, who may have participated in efforts to obtain the victim’s cryptocurrency password.
