Bitcoin Investor Linked to Kidnapping and Torture Cases in NYC and Kentucky

Allegations of Ransom and Armed Threats

A bitcoin investor has been implicated in a case of kidnapping and torture occurring in New York City, and he has now been connected to another similar incident in Kentucky. CBS News New York exclusively acquired audio from a phone call indicating that a Holiday Inn staff member was contacted by the distressed mother of a victim as far back as February, prior to the arrest of John Woeltz in Manhattan’s SoHo district.

During the call, the hotel employee relayed that the mother believed her son was being held for ransom, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Distress Call Signals Urgent Situation

According to the hotel employee, the mother was a guest at the Holiday Inn in Paducah, Kentucky, and had received alarming text messages from her son suggesting he was in peril. The texts indicated that he was being detained by armed individuals. Since the mother primarily spoke German, the employee utilized an online translator to interpret the messages.

The texts reportedly stated, “They don’t want to let me go, bitcoin … and then it says ‘need help, they are armed to the brim.’"

The mother, who was in the U.S. for just the second time and whose son resides in Switzerland, mentioned that they were supposed to check out the following day.

Connections to Previous Cases

While the mother did not disclose the identities of those allegedly holding her son, she cited two friends named John and Kayla, who were said to be at a residence on Birdsville Road in nearby Smithland. The Paducah dispatcher subsequently communicated this information to the Livingston County authorities, who indicated they were already familiar with both the home and the individuals involved.

Post-call, a local officer informed dispatch that they intended to investigate John Woeltz in connection with the address provided, referencing prior history with him.

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office informed CBS News New York that they were unable to share details due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, records reviewed by CBS confirmed Woeltz’s residence at the indicated remote location in Smithland.

Law Enforcement Actions and Ongoing Investigations

In recent developments, the NYPD collaborated with Kentucky State Police and the ATF to execute search warrants across various locations tied to Woeltz in and around Smithland. Reports indicate that investigators recovered at least 18 firearms from a different property associated with Woeltz.

Currently, Woeltz does not face additional legal charges beyond those he and a co-defendant entered not guilty pleas to in New York, where they are accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian individual over the course of 17 days in May. Woeltz’s attorney contended that witnesses claimed the alleged victim frequently left the residence at will.

A source from the NYPD confirmed they were aware of the distress call connected to Kentucky, but there has been no response from Woeltz’s legal representation regarding the matter.

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About the Author

Tim McNicholas is a reporter with CBS News New York, having joined the news team in September 2022 following reporting roles in major cities including Chicago and Indianapolis.