New jersey man sentenced for extortion and arson in vermont — Judge in the courtroom. Male judge striking the gavel.

Eddy Santiago, Jr., 30, of Clifton, New Jersey, has been sentenced to 49 months in prison after pleading guilty to charges of extortionate collection practices. United States District Judge Christina Reiss also mandated a subsequent three-year term of supervised release following Santiago’s imprisonment.

Santiago’s arrest on January 5, 2022, by Vermont state law enforcement, came after he deliberately set fire to a vehicle in Vergennes, causing the destruction of two vehicles and damage to a residence. The act was motivated by an attempt to collect a large debt allegedly owed for cocaine. Surveillance footage from the area and security cameras from a South Burlington gas station showed Santiago preparing for the arson. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered incriminating evidence in his vehicle.

The successful investigation and subsequent sentencing of Santiago was the result of a collaborative effort among several law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, DEA, Vermont State Police, and local police departments. United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest praised the coordinated approach to tackling drug-related crimes and responding to the arson incident.

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