Bobby Salazar, the Fresno restaurant owner and salsa maker accused of arson, paid his $1 million bond and hired a private attorney, court records show.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Erica Grosjean set Monday as the deadline for Salazar to comply with both requirements or face a return to jail.

In a brief appearance at the downtown Fresno federal courthouse Monday, Salazar confirmed he had hired new private counsel. He was accompanied by his wife, Lucy Ruiz.

Salazar faces two counts of arson in connection with an alleged insurance fraud scheme for the 2024 fire that destroyed his eponymous restaurant on Blackstone Avenue. He also faces a separate charge of illegal possession of firearms.

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.

During a brief chat with the media Monday, Salazar maintained his innocence.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by GV Wire (@gvwire)

Bond Secured With Property in Arson Case

The bond was secured with property, Grosjean said in court. By paying it, Salazar had his ankle monitor removed.

Federal prosecutor Robert Veneman-Hughes accepted the bond, but with some doubts.

“While we note some irregularities related to the appraisal of the property, the documents and the proposed bond appear sufficient to comply with the Court’s requirement,” Robert Veneman-Hughes wrote in a document.

Veneman-Hughes said his office will continue its investigation, and file a motion if any issues come up.

Until Monday, Salazar was represented by federal public defender Kara Ottervanger, who appeared with him at the hearing for the last time.

At prior hearings, Salazar told the court he had difficulty securing a private attorney, and federal prosecutors questioned the nature of his finances.

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.

He is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary examination on Oct. 9, although the hearing may be delayed to allow his new attorneys time to prepare.