Two Wausau area men are free on signature bonds, after they were accused of extorting almost $100,000 from another man. Alex Santiago, 29, of Ringle and Dustin Congleton, 28, of Weston are charged in Marathon County with felony extortion and misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property.

A 56-year-old man was the alleged victim. Prosecutors said he met an exotic dancer at a Wausau strip club and paid her bills, rent, and legal expenses. Santiago was the woman’s boyfriend at the time and when he moved up from Kenosha, he allegedly threatened to tell the victim’s wife what he did with the dancer, unless he started paying Santiago.

The victim reported paid cash, money orders, and prepaid credit cards since late 2009. Last month, prosecutors said the victim asked for something in return for all he paid Santiago and the defendant reported gave him seven guns that turned out to be stolen. Congleton reportedly told the victim he could get Santiago off-his-back and the victim reportedly gave a few thousand dollars to Congleton as well.

Both defendants are due back in court Monday for preliminary hearings on their felony counts.

WSAU

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