Fresno restaurant operator Robert “Bobby” Salazar, 63, has been arrested on federal charges related to arson of commercial property and arson in furtherance of a felony. U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced the arrest, stating that Salazar is accused of directing a motorcycle gang member to set fire to an underperforming restaurant property.
Court documents indicate that on April 2, 2024, a fire occurred at the vacant Bobby Salazar’s restaurant located on Blackstone Avenue in Fresno. Fire investigators determined the cause was arson after finding partially burned gas cans inside and significant interior damage.
Further investigation revealed that the individual who set the fire was identified as the president of the local Screamin’ Demons Motorcycle Club. Authorities allege that Salazar hired this person to start the fire and later denied involvement when filing an insurance claim. He received at least $980,739 from his insurer following the incident.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with support from the 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 and up to 20 years for commercial arson, along with a consecutive mandatory sentence of 10 years for arson in furtherance of a felony. Sentencing would be determined by the court based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines after conviction. The charges remain allegations; Salazar is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
