Crypto Kidnapping Case Unfolds with Disturbing Allegations
One of the individuals accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian businessman in a disturbing New York City incident reportedly had a history of violent behavior towards his ex-fiancée. A recent report has emerged detailing John Woeltz’s alarming actions, including holding his former partner captive and threatening her life months before his high-profile arrest in Manhattan. Woeltz, who was recently released from Rikers Island after posting a $1 million bond while awaiting trial, displayed what his ex-fiancée described as “paranoid, cultlike behavior” alongside co-accused William Duplessie, as outlined in a Kentucky restraining order first reported by New York Magazine.
Alarming Claims of Violence and Threats
In the restraining order application, Woeltz’s ex expressed her fears, stating, “I am afraid this person is extremely unhinged and severely mentally ill — and completely unpredictable as he reacts violently in fits of rage.” She further described him as “armed and dangerous.” Woeltz, aged 37, is currently out on bail after posting the substantial sum.
Details of the Disturbing Breakup
The troubling breakup between Woeltz and his ex-fiancée occurred just prior to his arrest with Duplessie on charges of abducting Italian crypto trader Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan. The duo allegedly tortured Carturan to extract his Bitcoin password, with the ordeal reportedly concluding when he escaped barefoot and sought help from an NYPD officer. Defense attorneys for Woeltz and Duplessie contend that the situation was mischaracterized, arguing that Carturan willingly participated in what they described as a “long running frat party” atmosphere at the townhouse.
Previous Allegations of Kidnapping
However, prosecutors have highlighted that Woeltz and Duplessie had previously engaged in similar criminal activities in Kentucky. According to their claims, Woeltz fostered a twisted party environment in his expansive 10,000-square-foot mansion. The situation escalated in January when Woeltz allegedly confronted his fiancée over a firearm, during which he threatened her life, asserting he had prepared a grave for her. In a disturbing parallel to later accusations, he and Duplessie reportedly confined her to a bedroom against her will for hours.
Aftermath of the Relationship
Following the breakup, the ex-fiancée, identified as Kayla Barbour, discovered her car had been shot at while parked at Woeltz’s residence, with windows shattered. Barbour, who aspires to be an actress and runs a small business in Lexington, Kentucky, had been in a two-year relationship with Woeltz, with plans to marry in Hawaii in late 2024, as reported by the magazine. Further validation of Woeltz’s troubling behavior can be found in Kentucky court records confirming a restraining order against him in a domestic violence case.
Manifesto of Disturbing Intentions
In addition to these incidents, Woeltz and Duplessie are also accused of holding a German CEO, Michael Mauer, captive around the same timeframe. Prosecutors allege that the pair authored a “manifesto” outlining their bizarre intentions to steal cryptocurrency from individuals they deemed “evil.” The manifesto allegedly stated, “We will take crypto and bitcoin from evil people that are using it to fund terrorism… It is our belief that people need to use their coin.” Attempts to reach the attorneys representing Woeltz and Duplessie for comments went unanswered. While Duplessie remains incarcerated at Rikers Island, Woeltz is out on bail, and both men have pleaded not guilty, with their next court appearance scheduled for October 15.
