One of the individuals implicated in the alleged torture of an Italian tourist during drug-fueled parties at a lavish SoHo townhouse is poised to be released on bail. William Duplessie, aged 33, could be free as early as tomorrow after securing a $250,000 bail package, with his family providing collateral, according to sources cited by the New York Post.
Bail Approval and Conditions
Duplessie's bond received approval on Wednesday afternoon from Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro. His initial bail had been set at $1 million, similar to that of co-defendant John Woeltz, but was reduced to $250,000 last month. Upon release, Duplessie will be required to wear an ankle bracelet and remain under monitoring.
Sam Talkin, Duplessie's attorney, expressed gratitude, stating: 'We are grateful that he will be released in the near future and look forward to his unencumbered participation in the defense of this case.'
Allegations of Kidnapping and Torture
Authorities allege that Duplessie and John Woeltz, 37, coerced Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, 29, to visit their eight-bedroom townhouse on May 6 with the intent to steal his Bitcoin fortune. Carturan reported being bound by the wrists, shocked with electrical wires, pistol-whipped, cut on the leg with a saw, and forced to smoke crack cocaine over a 17-day period. He eventually provided access to his password out of fear for his life.
Carturan managed to escape when Duplessie and Woeltz went downstairs to retrieve his computer. Following his escape, he flagged down a traffic agent on the street, leading to the discovery of the alleged crimes.
Evidence and Defense Arguments
A search of the townhouse uncovered cocaine, a saw, chicken wire, body armor, night vision goggles, and ammunition. Polaroid photos depicted Carturan with a gun to his head and a crack pipe in his mouth. He was taken to a hospital with injuries consistent with being bound.
Both Duplessie and Woeltz have pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree kidnapping, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and assault. Defense attorneys have characterized the alleged abuse as 'fraternity-like hazing,' arguing that Carturan was a willing participant in a lifestyle involving drugs and orgies. Wayne Gosnell Jr., Woeltz's attorney, claimed the townhouse 'was like a long-running frat party' and that Carturan 'was free to leave whenever he wanted.'
Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan countered, describing a 'pattern of control and violence,' and noted that Carturan's reactions in videos were 'not normal' but aimed at appeasing the defendants.
Background of the Accused
Woeltz began renting the multimillion-dollar townhouse in March, paying between $75,000 and $95,000 monthly. He and Duplessie hosted extravagant parties, offering drugs, alcohol, and food from upscale venues like Blue Ribbon Sushi, Nobu, and Cipriani's. They frequented The Box, an exclusive erotic nightclub, reportedly spending over $100,000 per night and bringing women back to the townhouse.
Woeltz was arrested on May 23 and released on house arrest in July after his parents posted his $1 million bond. Duplessie turned himself in on May 27, allegedly asking a detective for a cigarette before remaining silent.
