Introduction to the Soho Crypto Kidnapping Case
The prime suspect in a Soho kidnapping who allegedly held an Italian man captive and tortured him for weeks inside the suspect’s apartment is due to be arraigned Saturday, law enforcement sources said.
FILE – Police at a crime scene.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
The Suspect and Charges
John Woeltz, 37, a crypto trader, faces multiple counts of assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a weapon in the gruesome case uncovered on Friday when the victim made a daring escape from a Soho apartment and alerted a nearby traffic agent to his ordeal.
The Victim’s Ordeal
Based on a preliminary investigation, police said, the victim, a 28-year-old man visiting New York from Italy, confronted the traffic agent near the corner of Mulberry and Prince Streets at about 9:37 a.m. on May 23. The victim told the agent that he had been kidnapped, beaten and held against his will in a nearby apartment since May 6.
The victim told the agent that he had been kidnapped, beaten and held against his will in a nearby apartment at 38 Prince St. in Soho since May 6.
Photo via Google Maps
Investigation and Arrest
The agent then contacted police, and officers from the 5th Precinct responded to the scene. Law enforcement sources said the victim directed them to the apartment building where he had been kept — Woeltz’s residence at 38 Prince St. EMS would take the victim to Bellevue Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. According to multiple published reports, Woeltz was apprehended at the location, allegedly wearing a bathrobe and barefoot. A second suspect was also taken into custody; police identified her as Beatrice Folchi, 24, of West 21st Street.
Evidence of Torture
During the investigation, cops entered Woeltz’s apartment and located a number of Polaroid photographs showing the victim tied up with electrical wire and tortured, published reports indicated. One of the images allegedly showed the victim having a gun pointed at his head. Police sources also learned that at one point during his ordeal, the victim’s kidnappers threatened to lop off his legs with a chainsaw, WABC-TV reported.
Charges and Booking
Woeltz was booked on two charges of second-degree assault, along with counts of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a weapon. Folchi, meanwhile, was charged with first-degree kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment.
Conclusion
The Soho crypto kidnapping case is a shocking and disturbing incident that highlights the darker side of human nature. The victim’s bravery in escaping and reporting the crime is commendable, and the swift action of the police in apprehending the suspects is a testament to their dedication to justice.
FAQs
Q: Who is the prime suspect in the Soho kidnapping case?
A: John Woeltz, a 37-year-old crypto trader.
Q: What are the charges against Woeltz?
A: Multiple counts of assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Q: How did the victim escape?
A: The victim made a daring escape from the Soho apartment and alerted a nearby traffic agent to his ordeal.
Q: What evidence was found in Woeltz’s apartment?
A: Polaroid photographs showing the victim tied up with electrical wire and tortured, including one image with a gun pointed at his head.
Q: What is the condition of the victim?
A: The victim is listed in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital.
