Daniel Saad, 51, of Spencer, Mass., was convicted of one count of arson, one count of use of fire to commit wire fraud, and two counts of wire fraud, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha.
Prosecutors alleged that shortly after 5 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2014, Saad entered the restaurant, Snow's Clam Box, through an unlocked rear door and spread gasoline around the bar area. He then ignited fire before fleeing, Neronha's office said.
A woman who was living in an apartment above the restaurant reported the fire after fleeing from the building.
Saad - who owed nearly $2.5 million to banks, private lenders and venders - initiated insurance claims via email later the same day, according to the release.
"Acts of arson pose a tremendous public safety threat, to the public generally and to first responders," Neronha said, according to the release. "This case is no exception. That this defendant would deliberately burn a building he owned to the ground, with his tenant living in the building and present at the time, demonstrates his utter disregard for the safety of others. He now faces at least a decade in federal prison for this behavior. Every day is well-deserved."
Saad, who had been free on unsecured bond since his arrest on March 31, 2016, was ordered detained in federal custody following the return of the jury's guilty verdicts. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. on April 27.
