BERKELEY (VINnews) – A California jury has convicted David William Denton of arson and vandalism after prosecutors said he set fire to a mezuzah outside Berkeley Hillel during a Shabbat gathering earlier this year.

The 45-year-old was found guilty of using a lighter to ignite the mezuzah affixed to the entrance of the Jewish student center in February while students were inside observing Shabbat. A security guard witnessed the incident, authorities said.

Following the verdict, a judge found the crime was motivated by antisemitic bias and ruled Denton had prior convictions and was on probation or parole at the time of the offense, findings that could increase his sentence.

Prosecutors said Denton faces up to three years in state prison and will be required to register as an arson offender. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3.

The damaged mezuzah was replaced the following day, and activities at Berkeley Hillel continued without interruption.

Denton was previously accused in a separate 2021 case involving vandalism at Jewish institutions in Berkeley, including damage to mezuzahs at multiple locations. A separate robbery charge filed against him in connection with an unrelated incident earlier this year was later dismissed.