Couple Accused Of Trying To Burn Down Their Business
LODI (CBS13) - Investigators a couple from Elk Grove who allegedly tried to burn down. Three other people were also arrested.
Husband and wife Prem and Kelly Basuta apparently had no interest in talking as they face charges for allegedly charring their own business, Lodi's Salisbury Market.
"It was like home. I spent a lot of time there, my wife helped me," said former owner Bruce Salisbury.
To this day, it's Salisbury's name that remains on the Basuta's Market the he founded close to 25 years ago and sold to the couple in 2005.
"Actually business was going good, and I thought now's the time to get out, so I just put it up for sale," said Salisbury.
From there, customers say the business went downhill, and then on October 15, 2011, a fire broke out at the market forcing it to close.
"Oh well, you smelled the smoke," said Sharon Ceresa who is employed in strip mall.
Those who work in the strip mall say the fire threatened more than just the grocery store.
"I think it's really bad because it does put all of us in jeopardy," said Ceresa.
In fact, a Lodi firefighter was sent to the hospital fighting the blaze.
"I'm surprised, I really am. I thought they were good people and financially could take care of it," said Salisbury.
