A cryptocurrency investor is facing serious charges after allegedly kidnapping and torturing a man for weeks inside a Manhattan townhouse, according to the Associated Press. Authorities say 37-year-old John Woeltz demanded the victim’s Bitcoin password while subjecting him to violent abuse.
Prosecutors allege the 28-year-old victim was drugged, shocked with wires, and beaten with a firearm after arriving from Italy. He eventually escaped by tricking Woeltz into leaving the room, then fled and sought help from a traffic officer.
Woeltz has been charged with kidnapping, assault, and unlawful imprisonment. Prosecutors revealed the suspect had access to private aircraft, prompting a no-bail order and the surrender of his passport. Investigators recovered cocaine, weapons, and disturbing photos from the scene.
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