A 28-year-old Italian national was allegedly lured to a townhouse in SoHo on May 6, 2025, under threats to his family's safety, where he claims he was held captive for 17 days.

William Duplessie and John Woeltz have pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, assault, and torture related to the victim, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, during a court hearing on June 11, 2025.

The indictment alleges that the defendants held Carturan against his will with the intent to terrorize him, seeking to extract his Bitcoin password.

Prosecutors claim that the defendants subjected Carturan to severe torture methods, including electric shocks and beatings, to gain access to his cryptocurrency wallet.

During his captivity, the victim reported being tortured with electrical wires, forced to smoke crack, and dangled from a five-story staircase.

Carturan managed to escape after agreeing to provide his computer password while the defendants went to retrieve the device.

Authorities discovered a disturbing array of items during a search of the townhouse, including cocaine, a chainsaw, body armor, and Polaroid photos of the victim.

The defendants are accused of using a pistol and a chainsaw to inflict harm on the victim, highlighting the brutality of the alleged torture.

Defense attorneys presented evidence, including a video showing the victim appearing relaxed before his escape, arguing that it contradicts claims of torture.

Prosecutor Sarah Kahn countered the defense's narrative, stating that victims of abuse may not always exhibit expected behaviors.

The New York City police are investigating two detectives who provided security at the townhouse, placing them on modified leave during the ongoing inquiry.

Judge Gregory Carro ordered that Duplessie and Woeltz remain in custody without bail until their next court appearance scheduled for July 15, 2025.