Owner accused of setting restaurant ablaze for insurance money

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The owner of a popular Glocester restaurant is facing charges he set fire to the business in order to collect insurance on it.
According to U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha, Daniel E. Saad pleaded not guilty Friday to arson and wire fraud charges.
Saad, 50, of Spencer, Mass., was released on bond following his arraignment.
Prosecutors allege Saad intentionally set fire to Snow’s Clam Box Restaurant and Pub on Putnam Pike back in November of 2014, causing significant damage to the building. He then filed a claim with his insurance company for any damages caused by the fire, according to Neronha.
Prosecutors Saad was facing significant debt at the time.
The federal indictment charges Saad with one count of arson, one count of use of fire to commit wire fraud, and two counts of wire fraud.
Source: Channel 12 news  Shaun Towne