TMZ revealed some of these videos last week, showing that the Italian was having fun at some moments.
John Woeltz
John Woeltz (37), American accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian for three weeks to obtain his bitcoins, pleaded not guilty to the charges at a hearing held this Wednesday (11).
Another suspect in custody, William Duplessie (32), also denied the charges.
The duo claims that the victim was having fun and could have left at any time he wished. On one occasion, the Italian even visited an optician with one of them, a moment when he could have asked for help, they said in testimony.
Suspects presented photos and videos of the victim having fun
To strengthen their defenses, the suspects presented photos and videos of the victim laughing and having fun in the apartment. This includes recordings of the Italian using drugs (crack) and participating in an orgy.
The victim was identified as Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan (29).
However, in his first testimony, he stated that he was forced to use drugs and that these photos would have been sent to his family to extort him.
On the other hand, Woeltz's defense lawyer points out that the Italian was not locked up in his client's apartment and that he attended churches, clubs, and dinners during the relevant period.
Before that, the victim stated that his kidnappers placed an 'AirTag', a device used to track luggage, keys, and other belongings, around his neck to prevent escape attempts.
Just last week, TMZ revealed some of these videos. The content proves that the Italian was having fun with the group of people appearing in the images, as the accused kidnappers claim.
Prosecutor claims that videos were leaked selectively
On the other hand, prosecutor Sarah Khan points out that the videos were leaked selectively to give the impression that the victim was not at the location against his will.
Regarding the Italian's outings, she argues that he was always accompanied by his kidnappers to prevent escapes.
Khan also reports that Woeltz and Duplessie are suspected of keeping other victims in captivity at two other locations.
Information about the trial was published by the Associated Press this Wednesday (12). Defense lawyers requested that their clients be released upon payment of a $1 million bail, but did not receive a response from the jury.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 15. The duo is being accused of kidnapping, assault, unlawful confinement, and illegal possession of a weapon, and they could be sentenced to life in prison.