Two men, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and torturing an Italian businessman in a SoHo townhouse. The prosecution alleges that the victim endured gruesome abuse for 17 days, aiming to extract his cryptocurrency password. In contrast, the defense argues the victim was not held against his will, presenting evidence of him appearing relaxed and smiling during outings with the accused. The case, raising serious questions about consent and coercion, underscores issues surrounding cryptocurrency-related crime and personal safety.
The victim suffered unimaginable abuse, including being pistol-whipped, cut with a chainsaw, and even set on fire after having tequila poured over him.
Defense attorney Sam Talkin argued that the victim was, in fact, no victim at all and instead came and went as he pleased.
Ninety percent of cases don't go to trial; they get pled out. This guy was tortured for 17 days and is lucky to have survived.
There were ample opportunities for him to flee and seek help, yet he was seen smiling while visiting stores with the accused.
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