Bobby Salazar appears in federal court, pleads not guilty to arson charges

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Longtime Fresno restaurant owner Robert "Bobby" Salazar appeared in federal court Thursday, accused of orchestrating an arson plot to collect insurance money.

Investigators allege Salazar hired a member of a motorcycle club to set fire to his namesake restaurant on Blackstone Avenue. According to court documents, Salazar received $980,000 in insurance payouts after the fire.

Salazar pleaded not guilty to all charges during his court appearance. He was appointed a public defender, though a financial hearing will determine whether he can afford his own attorney.

He is scheduled to return to court Friday for a detention hearing, where a judge will decide whether he can remain free while awaiting trial.

If convicted, Salazar faces up to 30 years in prison.