Key Takeaways
- Two men accused of kidnapping and torturing a bitcoin holder in NYC pleaded not guilty.
- Defense lawyers claim the alleged victim was not actually held captive, citing video evidence and witness accounts.
- Prosecutors presented physical evidence and believe there may be additional victims; the accused remain in custody without bail.
Suspects plead not guilty
Two men, William Duplessie and John Woeltz, pleaded not guilty in a New York criminal court on Wednesday to charges of kidnapping and torturing a man in an attempt to steal his bitcoin.
Their lawyers argued the accuser was free to move around the city during the alleged captivity, citing videos showing him “laughing and smiling,” as well as engaging in activities such as smoking crack cocaine and participating in group sex.
Sam Talkin, Duplessie’s lawyer, said:
“The story that he is selling doesn’t make sense”
Woeltz’s attorney added that witnesses confirmed the accuser’s freedom of movement, contradicting the prosecution’s claims.
Prosecution’s evidence and allegations
Prosecutors allege that the accuser was bound, beaten, and electrocuted as the suspects tried to force him to give up access to his bitcoin.
Evidence found by police included a chainsaw, a loaded pistol, and photos showing the victim with a gun to his head and being set on fire. While no burn marks were found on the victim, prosecutors claim the defendants extinguished the flames quickly, sometimes by urinating on him.
Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan noted that videos were released attempting to counter the prosecution’s narrative but maintained the accuser was not free to leave. Authorities also believe there may be two additional victims previously held against their will.
Case status
Duplessie and Woeltz have been denied bail and face life in prison if convicted. Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 15. A third individual was arrested in connection to the plot but later released.
The case is part of a growing trend of physical attacks targeting bitcoin holders.
