Michaela
Two NYPD detectives have been reassigned to modified duty after authorities uncovered that they previously had ties to a Manhattan townhouse now at the center of a disturbing kidnapping and torture case involving an Italian tourist and crypto investor.
According to ABC News, one of the detectives, while off duty, drove the kidnapping victim from the airport to the SoHo townhouse on May 6. The second detective, a 20-year NYPD veteran, is currently assigned to the Executive Protection Unit, which is responsible for providing security to New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
The veteran detective was reportedly working an off-duty security position for one of the two suspects connected to the kidnapping when he transported the victim to the SoHo townhouse.
Additionally, the second detective was reportedly paid by one of the suspects to perform off-duty security work.
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The NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau has launched an investigation to determine the duration of the detectives’ off-duty employment with the kidnapping suspects and whether proper departmental approval was obtained. The case has raised concerns due to department policy, which requires officers to undergo a formal vetting process before engaging in private security work.
Officials have shared that the two NYPD detectives allegedly had no knowledge of the illegal activity that occurred at the SoHo townhouse.
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“Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty. We are disturbed by these allegations, and as soon as it came to our attention, the officers were placed on modified duty,” the Mayor’s office said in a statement.
John Woeltz and two suspected co-conspirators are accused of detaining and torturing the Italian tourist, reportedly confiscating the victim’s electronic devices and passport. Authorities allege the mistreatment intensified over several weeks after the victim declined to share his Bitcoin password.
Police reports stated that the victim accused Woeltz and an accomplice of inflicting extreme physical violence, including beatings, electric shocks, being struck with a firearm, and facing gunpoint threats. The victim also alleged he was suspended from the townhouse’s upper floor and endured a partial leg amputation with a saw. Additionally, the suspects reportedly threatened harm to the victim’s family and coerced him into smoking crack cocaine during the captivity.
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
