Who Is Bobby Salazar and What Is His Criminal Past?

Bobby Salazar, a well-known restaurant owner in Fresno, California, was arrested this week. Authorities say he paid a gang member to set fire to one of his own restaurants. The fire occurred at a vacant Bobby Salazar’s Mexican restaurant on Blackstone Avenue.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that the fire took place on April 2, 2024. Investigators confirmed the cause was arson. Salazar is accused of hiring the president of the Screamin’ Demons Motorcycle Club to start the fire. Surveillance and cellphone records linked him to the crime.

According to the Fresno Bee, Salazar later filed an insurance claim. He received nearly $1 million. He told the insurance company he had no involvement. But federal agents found gas cans at the scene and video showing two suspects. Messages also tied Salazar to one of them.

Fox 26 reported Salazar appeared in court on Wednesday. His next hearing is set for Thursday, August 28. He faces charges of arson of commercial property and arson in furtherance of a felony. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

Bobby Salazar owns two popular Mexican restaurants in Fresno. His name is widely recognized in the Central Valley food scene. But this is not the first time he’s been linked to violent crimes.

In 2020, a former employee accused him of firebombing her cars after a lawsuit. Salazar denied the accusations. That same year, someone threw a Molotov cocktail at the office of the employee’s attorney. Salazar denied involvement in that incident too.

There was another accusation from 2020. A Molotov cocktail was thrown at his ex-brother-in-law’s home. It happened after a family business fallout. Again, Salazar denied any role.

Investigators are now connecting these past incidents to a pattern. They are reopening some of the old complaints. These past allegations, though never proven in court, have now taken on new weight after the arson arrest.

The restaurant targeted in this latest case was underperforming. Officials believe that may have been the motive. Prosecutors say Salazar wanted the insurance money. They describe the crime as calculated and financially motivated.

Salazar Faces Serious Federal Charges

If found guilty, Salazar could face a mandatory minimum of five years. He may also receive an extra 10 years because the arson was linked to another crime. In total, the penalty could be up to 30 years.

The case is being handled by the Eastern District of California. Investigators are using digital evidence, witness testimony, and surveillance footage. They are building a case that points directly to Salazar’s intent.

This arrest has shocked many in Fresno. Salazar’s restaurants have been a part of the city for years. His legal team has not made a public statement yet.

Bobby Salazar is now at the center of a major federal case. The community waits to see what happens next.

Must Know (FAQ Section)

Q1: Who is Bobby Salazar?

Bobby Salazar is a Fresno restaurant owner. He runs two Mexican eateries under his name.

Q2: Why was Bobby Salazar arrested?

He was arrested for hiring a gang member to set fire to one of his restaurants. The motive was allegedly insurance fraud.

Q3: What gang was involved in the arson?

The president of the local Screamin’ Demons Motorcycle Club was allegedly hired to commit the arson.

Q4: When did the fire happen?

The fire occurred on April 2, 2024, at a vacant restaurant on Blackstone Avenue.

Q5: What is the potential jail time for Bobby Salazar?

If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison for multiple federal charges.

Trusted Sources: Fresno Bee, Fox 26, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California