That sounds like name.com was squatting on your expired domain and extorted $140 from you to get it back.
Often there's a redemption period (depending on tld i think) where the domain can be recovered. Registrars will generally charge a redemption fee during this period.
alt Hacker News
Often there's a redemption period (depending on tld i think) where the domain can be recovered. Registrars will generally charge a redemption fee during this period.