Manhattan Man Charged in Kidnapping and Assault of Tourist in SoHo
In a shocking turn of events in Manhattan, a man and a woman were arrested on Friday for the alleged kidnapping and torture of a tourist from Italy in SoHo. John Woeltz, 37, was seen barefoot and clad in a white bathrobe as he was led away by NYPD officers from a residence on Prince St. in SoHo. He was taken to the 5th Precinct for questioning and later charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of second-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and possession of a firearm. Woeltz, who appeared in court on Saturday, was deemed a flight risk and was ordered to remain in custody and surrender his passport.
A second individual, Beatrice Folchi, 24, from Manhattan, was also arrested in connection with the case and charged with kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment. The police did not disclose the nature of her relationship to Woeltz or her involvement in the alleged crimes. Following Woeltz’s arraignment, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office stated that Folchi would not be prosecuted at that time, pending further investigation.
The victim, a 28-year-old tourist from Italy, arrived in New York on May 6 and visited the suspect’s residence in SoHo. Court documents revealed harrowing details of the victim being bound and subjected to torture for three weeks. The victim managed to escape on Friday and sought help from a nearby traffic agent, who then alerted the authorities. Woeltz is accused of using electric wires to shock the victim, cutting his leg with a saw, and forcing him to consume crack cocaine. Evidence recovered from the scene included disturbing images of the victim with drug paraphernalia and threats of violence.
Woeltz, described as a crypto investor originally from Kentucky, rented an apartment in the home for a significant monthly fee. Local residents expressed shock and disbelief at the incident, with witnesses recounting a chaotic scene involving police, SWAT teams, and emergency responders. The community was left shaken by the events, emphasizing the need for vigilance and caution in a city as diverse and dynamic as New York.
The victim’s ordeal highlights the importance of safety and awareness in urban environments, urging residents and visitors alike to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly. The arrests of Woeltz and Folchi serve as a reminder that justice will be pursued for those who engage in criminal behavior, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the community. As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to uncover the full extent of the crimes committed and bring the perpetrators to justice.
