Fresno restaurant operator Robert “Bobby” Salazar, 63, has been arrested on federal charges related to the arson of a commercial property. According to U.S. Attorney Eric Grant, Salazar is accused of directing a member of a motorcycle gang to set fire to an underperforming restaurant.
Court documents state that on April 2, 2024, a fire occurred at the vacant Bobby Salazar’s restaurant located on Blackstone Avenue in Fresno. Fire investigators determined that the blaze was intentionally set, citing evidence such as partially burned gas cans found inside and significant damage to the building’s interior.
Investigators learned that the individual who started the fire was identified as the president of the local Screamin’ Demons Motorcycle Club. The complaint alleges that Salazar hired this person for the arson and later filed an insurance claim denying any involvement. He received at least $980,739 from his insurance company as a result.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Fresno Fire Department; Fresno Police Department; Fresno County Sheriff’s Department; and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert L. Veneman-Hughes and Brittany M. Gunter are prosecuting.
Salazar is scheduled for an initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe in Fresno on August 27, 2025.
If convicted, Salazar faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison with a maximum penalty of 20 years for commercial arson and an additional mandatory consecutive sentence of 10 years for arson committed in furtherance of a felony. Sentencing would be determined by the court based on statutory factors and federal guidelines after conviction. The charges remain allegations until proven beyond reasonable doubt.
More details can be found in the criminal complaint: salazar_complaint_25mj92.cr_.comp_.0825_redacted_v.1.pdf
