Before they were allegedly involved in the kidnapping and torture of an Italian tourist at a luxurious Soho townhouse, cryptocurrency enthusiasts John Woeltz and William Duplessie were making waves at Manhattan’s elite nightlife spots, often accompanied by their own security team. According to two women who partied with them, the duo was on the lookout for “Instagram baddies” showcasing Brazilian butt lifts. A nightlife insider revealed that the pair, currently facing charges that include the kidnapping and assault of Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, leveraged connections through Charlie Zakkour, a former club kid turned crypto trader, to gain access to exclusive venues. Zakkour reportedly reached out in early March, indicating he knew influential crypto figures staying at the Mercer Hotel, who were willing to spend approximately $30,000 at Paul’s Baby Grand, a lounge owned by the brother of actress Chloë Sevigny.
### High-Rolling Nightlife Choices
However, Woeltz, aged 37, and Duplessie, aged 33, opted for a more mainstream venue, Nebula, instead of the upscale lounge, as they sought attention and opulence. The source disclosed that the duo dropped about $100,000 on bottle service while seated at a prime table. The first encounter with Duplessie at Nebula was memorable, as he was noted to be shirtless, sporting sunglasses and smoking a cigar. The duo reportedly traveled with four security guards, which raised eyebrows; the source noted even supermodels like Kate Moss don’t typically require such protection, suggesting an air of trying too hard to impress.
### Party Atmosphere and Behavior
Duplessie and Woeltz were known for their extravagant lifestyle, with Duplessie particularly gaining notoriety for his shirtless partying style. An attorney representing Duplessie declined to comment, and Woeltz’s attorney did not respond to inquiries. During their time together, the source claimed to have observed significant drug use, including cocaine and ketamine, and was tasked with finding additional women to join the group. They specifically sought young women, often below the legal drinking age, who fit a certain aesthetic.
### Interactions and Attitudes
The source described Duplessie’s interactions with women as limited to those he wished to engage with romantically, while Woeltz often gave off an unsettling vibe. Conversations between the two predominantly centered around their wealth, with Woeltz reportedly dubbing himself the “Crypto King of Kentucky” and boasting about holding $100 million in cryptocurrency. Woeltz had rented the townhouse where they allegedly committed the disturbing acts against Carturan, who claims he was held captive for 17 days and tortured for access to his $30 million crypto wallet.
### Lavish Parties and Security Measures
Another partygoer recounted meeting Woeltz and Duplessie during an after-party arranged by a promoter from The Box. This was the same location where Carturan claims he was forcibly detained. Upon arrival, the young women were met with an unexpected level of security, including coat checks and staff serving premium drinks. The atmosphere was described as exclusive, with velvet ropes restricting access to certain areas of the townhouse.
### Illicit Activities and Atmosphere
During one party, Duplessie was seen DJing shirtless when a guest attempted to take a selfie, prompting an immediate response from security to prohibit photography. The source claimed that despite the restrictions, there was rampant illicit activity, including the display of drugs in plain sight. One shocking incident involved Woeltz dumping a substantial amount of cocaine on a platter, indicative of a cavalier attitude towards the drug.
### Growing Concerns and Regrets
The source decided to part ways with Woeltz and Duplessie after feeling uncomfortable with their behavior during a series of parties, stating that the overall vibe felt dubious. Unfortunately, the duo had already established themselves within New York’s nightlife, frequently spotted at prominent clubs like Nebula and The Box, leading to regret about introducing them to her social circle. Friends reported back on their lavish lifestyle, with Duplessie continuing his trend of partying shirtless, further solidifying their reputation in the nightlife scene.
