Threat Leaves at First Parish Church in Dover, New Hampshire, Leads to Arrest – NBC Boston

A man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a hate crime investigation after allegedly leaving a sign with a threatening anti-LGBTQ message outside a church in Dover, New Hampshire, last month.

Police said a sign was discovered attached to the front door of First Parish Church on Central Avenue on the morning of June 20. The sign contained a threatening anti-LGTBQ message that read: “Be saved today or perish in your sins!”

Police say further investigation identified the person who posted the sign as Isaac Santiago, 49, of Somersworth. Investigators executed a search warrant at his home and later obtained a warrant for his arrest.

Santiago turned himself in to police Tuesday. Police said he was charged with criminal threats, but that charge carries the possibility of extended prison time under the state’s hate crimes law because it’s alleged the crime was motivated by the victim’s religion, creed or sexual orientation. He’s scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 12 in Dover District Court.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to call Dover Police at 603-742-4646. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Dover Crimeline at 603-749-6000 or submit a tip online at www.dovernhcrimeline.org.