Man Convicted of Arson for Setting Fire to Mezuzah in California Religious Center

A jury in the United States convicted 45-year-old David William Denton of arson related to an incident on February 6 at a religious study center on Bancroft Street in Berkeley, Alameda, California. According to the prosecution, Denton used a lighter to damage and set fire to a mezuzah, a sacred Jewish religious symbol. Following the verdict, the judge ordered Denton to be held in custody until sentencing, which is scheduled for September 3. Prosecutor Ursula Jones Dixon stated that Denton faces a maximum sentence of three years in prison. Dixon emphasized the broader impact of the crime, saying, "The harm and burning of a sacred religious symbol can cause damage far beyond the physical harm itself. People of all faiths must be able to practice their religion and gather in their communities without fear of intimidation and harassment."