William Duplessie, a cryptocurrency professional, is set to be released from Rikers Island on a $250,000 bail after nearly a year in custody. He faces charges related to the alleged torture of an Italian millionaire in a SoHo luxury apartment, alongside his alleged business partner, John Woeltz.
Prosecutors claim Duplessie and Woeltz held the victim captive for over two weeks, subjecting him to severe abuse, including the alleged use of a chainsaw, to obtain cryptocurrency wallet access. The defense argues the events were part of a consensual encounter. Duplessie's release includes electronic monitoring.
[IMAGE_2]The case highlights the potential for criminal activity linked to high-value digital assets and raises questions about security within the crypto space. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty, and their legal teams are preparing to contest the charges. The case is proceeding with a status conference scheduled.
