Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a harrowing case that unfolded in New York City, wherein a crypto investor is alleged to have kidnapped and tortured an Italian tourist, as reported by CBS News New York. The suspect, John Woeltz, 37, faced serious charges including two counts of second-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a firearm.
Woeltz was apprehended barefoot and wearing a white bathrobe, then questioned at the NYPD's 5th Precinct. His arraignment followed, during which a judge deemed him a flight risk, ordering him to remain in custody and surrender his passport. Beatrice Folchi, 24, was also arrested in relation to the case however, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office has "declined to prosecute" her "pending further investigation," as they mentioned in a statement on CBS News New York.
The Italian victim, as per the criminal complaint, arrived in New York City on May 6 and visited Woeltz's home in SoHo. It is alleged that the victim was lured under the pretense of retrieving Bitcoin but was then tied up and subjected to weeks of torture. According to prosecutors, the victim endured electric shocks, lacerations with a saw, and was coerced to smoke crack cocaine. The range of evidence recovered from the scene included chicken wire, ballistic helmets, and incriminating Polaroids pointing towards a violent and prolonged ordeal.
As told to Gothamist, the victim managed a harrowing escape after he was threatened over a stairwell ledge, agreeing to hand over his Bitcoin password under duress. Woeltz, originally from Kentucky and known as a crypto investor, is said to rent the apartment for a hefty $30,000 to $40,000 per month. The case has left local residents stunned, citing a chaotic and disturbing crime scene with heavy police presence, including SWAT and firearms.
Authorities continue their search for an accomplice who has been implicated in assisting Woeltz in this crime. Meanwhile, Woeltz himself is confined to jail as he awaits trial on the multiple charges. Woeltz's attorney has yet to make a comment regarding the allegations.
