Video Store Owner Convicted of Arson
The owner of a Kearny Mesa video store that was torched Nov. 8 was found guilty Monday of arson in the fire, which caused $135,000 in damage.
Hong Phuc Van, 22, of San Diego hung his head after hearing the verdict. Superior Court Judge Milton Milkes set sentencing for April 9.
Attorneys said Van faces up to 12 years in state prison.
An accomplice who was burned in the fire, Dung Diep, 21, of Oxnard, pleaded guilty Dec. 14 to arson and will be sentenced March 21.
Diep testified in Van’s trial, telling the jury he was to be paid $2,500 for setting the fire at the VP Video Store on Mesa College Drive.
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