Dentist arrested on suspicion of trying to burn rival dental practices

A Ventura County dentist has been arrested on suspicion of torching the offices of rival dental practices, authorities said.

Leopold Weinstein, 63, was arrested Friday on three counts of arson, three counts of attempted arson and possession of a silencer, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s office.

Weinstein, who resides in Moorpark, remains jailed with bail set at $250,000.

The investigation into the string of fires began in June 2014, when flammable liquids were discovered on the roof of a Camarillo dental office. Within two weeks, another Camarillo dental office was set on fire but sustained minimal damage, sheriff’s officials said.

Weinstein became a suspect when his vehicle was spotted at an unusual time of day near one of the targeted dental practices. His vehicle matched the description of a vehicle involved in other dental office fires.

On Wednesday, sheriff’s officials say surveillance video captured Weinstein igniting the dental office where flammable liquids were found in June. The building sustained minimal damage.

Weinstein is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

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