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WILKES-BARRE — A man who allegedly threatened to burn down a woman’s home and claimed to be a part of a Puerto Rican street gang has been denied a bail reduction.
Antonio Santiago, 44, of West Hazleton, was arrested Aug. 9 on charges of stalking, reckless endangerment and possession of incendiary devices after police say he threatened and harassed a Freeland woman who he wanted to be “more than friends” with.
Defense attorney Michael Kostelba argued Santiago’s $50,000 bail was excessive and violated his client’s 14th Amendment rights.
But his motion for lower bail was denied by Luzerne County Judge Michael T. Vough at a recent hearing.
According to court documents, Santiago called his alleged victim dozens of times, telling her she would not live to see her 42nd birthday.
Santiago also allegedly left beer cans filled with lighter fluid and stuffed with cloth torn from his shirt outside her house, warning he would burn it down.
The victim says Santiago claimed to be a part of the Ñeta street gang, and told her to “think again about who she is ——ing with.”
Santiago’s formal arraignment is scheduled for Nov. 2.