The two suspects in the high-profile case of kidnapping and torture of an Italian cryptocurrency investor have entered not-guilty pleas, as the investigation extends to involve the New York Police Department. William Duplessie, 33, and John Woeltz, 37, were arrested by New York police, along with a 24-year-old woman, Beatrice Folchi, whose prosecution has been deferred. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was allegedly held hostage in a luxury Manhattan townhouse for over two weeks.
During this period, the trio is accused of subjecting the victim to physical and psychological torture, including forced drug intake, suspension from a ledge, and electrocution, in an attempt to extract the private keys to his bitcoin. The perpetrators allegedly created t-shirts and took photographs of the victim in compromising positions. The victim managed to escape and seek help from a traffic officer.
Duplessie and Woeltz have been charged with multiple offenses, including kidnapping, assault, and possession of a loaded firearm, to which they have both pleaded not guilty. In a related development, two NYPD officers who worked for the accused in their off-duty capacity have been placed on modified duty, pending an internal review.
The officers are not believed to have been directly involved in the kidnapping but may have provided security services to the accused. The mayor's office has stated that all city employees, including police officers, are expected to uphold the law at all times, and the investigation is ongoing.