August 4, 2026
Oakland, CA — Today, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson announced that a jury found David William Denton (45) guilty of arson, a violation of Penal Code section 451(d).
The evidence presented at trial established that on February 6, 2026, Mr. Denton used a pocket torch to vandalize and burn a Jewish mezuzah scroll affixed to the doorway of a religious study center on Bancroft Way in Berkeley. The fire damaged the religious scroll.
After announcing the jury’s verdict, the judge remanded the defendant into custody. Mr. Denton faces a maximum of three years in state prison. In addition, he must register as an arson offender.
“Targeting and burning a sacred religious symbol is an act that can cause harm far beyond the physical damage itself,” said District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson. “People of every faith should be able to practice their religion and gather in their communities without fear of intimidation.”
David Denton is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2026, in Department 7 of the Alameda County Superior Court at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse.
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Contact: damedia@acgov.org