Authorities on Friday arrested a Manhattan man accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian tourist for 17 days with the aim of stealing his Bitcoin.
The 37-year-old John Woeltz now faces several criminal charges after his victim, a 28-year-old man, managed to escape from his tormentor's home to ask for help.
According to reports from officials, law enforcement sources and a criminal complaint, the Italian tourist allegedly suffered 17 days of alleged brutal abuse while being held captive. On 6 May, Woeltz allegedly took the victim to a rental property he occupied in the Nolita area of Manhattan.
Police arrested Woeltz on Friday, after the victim managed to escape in dramatic fashion. The suspect appeared in court on Saturday, where he was charged with second-degree kidnapping, assault, unlawful restraint and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The judge ruled that Woeltz should remain in custody, as his ties to Kentucky and possession of a private jet and helicopter indicated a high flight risk. The prosecutor requested the withdrawal of his passport. Woeltz is due to appear in court again on Wednesday for the next hearing. A conviction for first-degree kidnapping could carry a sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison, up to life.
Sources close to the investigation revealed that Woeltz and the victim had a complex history, shared with an unidentified third business partner. The three allegedly conducted business activities together for several years. According to sources, Woeltz and the third partner have allegedly carried out violent acts against the victim in the past, but the latest incident reached unprecedented levels of brutality.
Authorities are actively searching for the as-yet unidentified third partner. The complex dynamic between the three includes evidence that the two men repeatedly targeted the third member.
After Saturday's hearing, Woeltz's attorney chose not to comment on the incident.
