Somersworth man charged for anti-LGBTQ message at Dover church

DOVER — A Somersworth man is facing charges for allegedly posting an anti-LGBTQ message on the front door of the First Parish Church at 218 Central Ave.

Isaac Santiago, 49, was charged with criminal threatening, a Class A misdemeanor, according to Dover Police Chief William Breault.

The sign was discovered on the morning of June 20, according to police and the Rev. Dana Mann. The sign contained anti-LGBTQ messaging and stated, “Be saved today or you will perish in your sins!”

Santiago faces the "possibility of an extended term of imprisonment under the state's hate crime statute," police stated in a press release, "specifically alleging this crime was substantially motived towards the victim’s religion, creed, or sexual orientation."

Dover detectives executed a search warrant at Santiago’s residence and later obtained a warrant for his arrest, according to police. Santiago surrendered Tuesday and was released on personal recognizance bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 12 at 8:30 a.m. at the 7th Circuit Court in Dover.

It was not immediately known if Santiago has an attorney.

Dover police ask anyone with information to call the department at 603-742-4646. Tips can also be reported anonymously to the Dover Crimeline at 603-749-6000 or via dovernhcrimeline.org.

The church has celebrated same-sex marriages for many years. Mann previously called the incident "an opportunity to open the door to open conversation" and "to affirm that all people are welcome."

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