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WILKES-BARRE — A man who police say stalked a Freeland woman and threatened to burn down her house has a hearing set to consider a bail reduction.
Antonio Santiago, 44, of West Hazleton, was arrested Aug. 9.
The woman told police Santiago began sending her harassing and threatening texts and voicemail messages in June after he decided he wanted to be “more than friends” with her, according to authorities.
Here are more details from court records:
The victim said Santiago told her she would not see her next birthday.
On July 30, the victim found outside her home two beer cans filled with lighter fluid and stuffed with a piece of cloth torn from a shirt that she knows Santiago owns. She had the shirt, which had a sleeve torn off. She provided the shirt to police for evidence.
The victim also received calls from Santiago, telling her he would set her house on fire. She told him not to contact her again, but he called her another 30 times.
She says Santiago left her 20 voicemail messages, telling her she needs to “think again about who she is —–ing with,” and that she would not see her kid grow up or see her 42nd birthday.
The woman told Santiago she would call police if he continued to contact her. He told her by the time police arrived, she and everyone in her home would be shot.
The victim also says Santiago claimed to be a member of the Ñeta street gang for over 20 years, and claimed his brother is in the Latin Kings. She says she continued to receive harassing messages from Santiago until Aug. 7.
Santiago’s charges include stalking, reckless endangerment and possession of incendiary devices. His bail was set at $50,000.
On Monday, Santiago filed to have that bail reduced.
Defense attorney Michael Kostelba argues the amount is excessive and is in violation of Santiago’s 14th Amendment rights.
Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough will hear arguments on bail Friday.
Kostelba’s filing says Santiago would return to his West Hazleton home if released.