The Kentucky crypto entrepreneur accused of a heinous kidnapping and torture plot is innocent — and being manipulated by someone else, a relative claimed to The Post.
John Woeltz, who was held without bail on kidnapping and other charges for allegedly physically abusing and trying to extort an Italian businessman, is “an easy victim” who was forced into the sick situation, the relative contended.
“He’s a kind, caring, loving person, so he was completely controlled by other people,” the relative said of Woeltz, 37, who is worth $100 million, according to police sources.
The relative called Woeltz “easily manipulated.”
“I’m getting calls from John’s friends, girlfriends, everyone saying, ‘John was railroaded, this person hijacked his life,’” she claimed.
“He was hijacked and manipulated and scammed. I think they stole his money as well,” the relative continued.
“He’s a victim.”
Woeltz, who owns a private jet and a helicopter, was forced to hand over his passport during an appearance Saturday in Manhattan Criminal Court. At least one other suspect is still being sought, sources said.
The abuse allegedly included threatening to kill the family of victim Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan in Italy and at one point, carrying thehim to the top flight of the stairs of the eight-bedroom Prince Street penthouse and dangling him over the ledge, lest the tourist hand over his account password, Assistant District Attorney Michael Mattson told Judge Eric Schumacher during Woeltz’s arraignment.
