Bobby Salazar must pay his $1 million bond by his next federal court date or return to jail.

That was the order of U.S. Magistrate Judge Erica Grosjean at a hearing Thursday on Salazar’s finances, his bond, and continued representation by a public defender.

Salazar returns to court on Sept. 29.

The owner of the popular salsa brand and restaurants that bear his name is accused of two arson counts related to a 2024 fire that destroyed his Blackstone Avenue location. He also faces a separate illegal gun charge stemming from a warrant search of his home.

Prosecutors accuse Salazar of hiring a leader of a motorcycle club to torch his restaurant. Salazar filed an insurance claim and received more than $980,000.

He denied the charges at a prior hearing.

“I don’t understand how he was released,” Grosjean said, of fellow Magistrate Judge Barbara McAuliffe’s ruling to free Salazar on Aug. 29 after three days in custody. Salazar did not have to put up a bond at the time of his release, McAuliffe ruled.

Salazar Must Provide for His Own Defense

Grosjean said Salazar will no longer receive taxpayer-funded counsel after the Sept. 29 court date.

Federal public defender Kara Ottervanger, appointed on a temporary basis during Salazar’s arraignment, said her client made one attempt to hire an attorney. With a demand for a $100,000 retainer up front, it was too much for Salazar.

“We just don’t have the money to do it now,” Salazar said in his only formal statement in court.

Grosjean remained skeptical of Salazar’s contention of financial difficulty, saying his assets were the “most I’ve ever seen,” for someone publicly defended.

“I’m sure there is other counsel out there,” Grosjean said, adding there are attorneys who charge by the hour.

The court discussed Salazar’s assets — properties in Fowler and Fresno, a 20-acre property in Clovis, residences in Clovis (which is used for a rental), Shaver Lake, four vehicles and a food truck.

Ottervanger said Salazar listed his San Francisco condominium, and some of his vehicles for sale.

Prosecutor Robert Veneman-Hughes cast doubts on the value of Salazar’s property, questioning if it will be enough to cover his bond. As he did in a prior hearing, Veneman-Hughes said there is $250,000 unaccounted for, noting the insurance payment he received.

Ottervanger submitted a real estate appraisal of Salazar’s commercial property in Old Town Clovis she said was worth at least $3 million. Veneman-Hughes said it was more like $1.2 million.

“The federal public defenders are severely underfunded,” Grosjean said.

Veneman-Hughes also relayed his “serious concerns” that Salazar may engage in witness intimidation, and remaining free would give him more time and motivation to do so.

Wife Appears with Salazar

Salazar, accompanied by his wife, Lucy Ruiz, wore a light-colored suit and pink shirt. His court-mandated ankle monitor was visible when he went through security.

He made brief comments entering the court to GV Wire.

“Buy our salsa, buy our party trays, football season, that’s where we’re at,” Salazar said.

He said business is going well.

Regarding the charges, Salazar said, “It is something we have to sit through. A lot of accusations.”

Salazar faces a minimum of five years and maximum of 20 for the commercial arson charges, plus 10 years for a second count of arson in furtherance of a felony. The gun charge could bring five years imprisonment.

A preliminary hearing on the criminal charges is scheduled for Oct. 9.