American Men Plead Not Guilty in Bitcoin Kidnapping Case

John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 32, have pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping and torturing an Italian man for three weeks in an attempt to steal his Bitcoin. The two Americans appeared in court on Wednesday, denying all accusations.

The pair claims that the victim, Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, 29, was enjoying himself and was free to leave at any time. They stated that Carturan even visited an optician with one of them, where he could have asked for help.

Defense Presents Photos and Videos of Alleged Victim Partying

To support their defense, Woeltz and Duplessie presented photos and videos allegedly showing Carturan laughing, using drugs, and participating in group sex.

Carturan, however, claims he was forced to take drugs and that the photos were intended to extort his family. His attorney argues that Carturan was not held against his will and attended church services, parties, and dinners during the period in question.

Carturan also stated that his kidnappers placed an AirTag on his neck to prevent him from escaping.

TMZ recently released some of these videos, which appear to show Carturan enjoying himself with the group, supporting the defendants’ claims.

New bombshell videos and photos reveal that kind of wild, bacchanalian atmosphere during the bizarre crypto kidnapping case that’s landed John Woeltz and William Duplessie in jail.

See more: https://t.co/fTnmCaFOjU pic.twitter.com/evDEoYJDLh

— TMZ (@TMZ) June 6, 2025

Prosecutor Alleges Selective Release of Videos

Prosecutor Sarah Khan argues that the videos were selectively released to create the false impression that Carturan was not being held against his will. She maintains that he was always accompanied by his captors to prevent him from escaping.

Khan also stated that Woeltz and Duplessie are suspected of holding other victims captive at two other locations.

The Associated Press reported on the trial Wednesday. Defense attorneys requested a $1 million bail for their clients, but the jury has not yet responded. The next hearing is scheduled for July 15. Woeltz and Duplessie face charges of kidnapping, assault, false imprisonment, and illegal possession of a weapon, and could face life in prison if convicted.

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