Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Crypto Bros Face Charges of Kidnapping and Torture
Two men who made money from cryptocurrencies, William Duplessie and John Woeltz, are in trouble.
They allegedly kidnapped and hurt a man in Manhattan to steal his crypto passwords.
They were living large, throwing parties, and even talking about running for office.
But things turned dark when they were accused of violence.
Now, they face serious charges, while their lawyers say the accusations are exaggerated.
The case involves lots of money, fancy parties, and accusations of cruel behavior.
Two crypto investors, William Duplessie and John Woeltz, are facing charges of kidnapping and torture.
The charges stem from an incident in Manhattan where a cryptocurrency trader was allegedly held captive and assaulted.
The men were known for extravagant spending and hosting lavish parties, fueled by their crypto investments.
Prior to the Manhattan incident, the pair lived an extravagant lifestyle, including a mansion in Kentucky and plans to enter politics.
Duplessie and Woeltz have pleaded not guilty, and their defense disputes the severity of the alleged actions.
- Who
- William Duplessie and John Woeltz, along with a cryptocurrency trader who was the victim.
- What
- William Duplessie and John Woeltz are facing charges of kidnapping, assault, and coercion.
- When
- The alleged kidnapping and torture took place in May.
- Where
- The primary incident occurred in a Manhattan townhouse.
- Why
- The motive appears to be obtaining cryptocurrency passwords from the victim.
Prosecutors' View
Defense's View
Severity of Actions
Prosecutors' View
Duplessie and Woeltz tortured a cryptocurrency trader to obtain his crypto passwords.
Defense's View
Defense claims the victim's actions do not amount to torture and were part of a voluntary lifestyle.
- Defendants
- William Duplessie, John Woeltz
- Charges
- Kidnapping, Assault, Coercion
- Location of Incident
- Manhattan, New York
- Bail
- $1 million each
- Alleged Victim
- Cryptocurrency trader from Italy
- Key Allegation
- Torture to obtain cryptocurrency passwords