Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced that German Santiago, 72, of West Haverstraw, was arraigned in Rockland County Court on a sweeping indictment that includes multiple counts of attempted murder and arson.
Santiago is facing 11 counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, 11 counts of Arson in the Second Degree, one count of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
According to prosecutors, on August 1, 2025, at around 5 a.m., Santiago allegedly ignited a mattress near the front of his residence at 52 Blauvelt Avenue in West Haverstraw. The multi-family home housed 12 tenants, including three children under the age of 16.
Authorities say tenants were asleep when they were jolted awake by noise and discovered the fire. One witness reported seeing Santiago pouring an unknown substance on a mattress before fleeing the scene. The Town of Haverstraw Police Department responded quickly, helping extinguish the blaze and preventing further tragedy.
The investigation was led by the Town of Haverstraw Police Department, with assistance from the Rockland County Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
If convicted, Santiago faces a prison term ranging from a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of 25 years.
The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Sharleen Bailon.