Optometrist Convicted In Walnut Creek Arsons

MARTINEZ, Calif. (CBS/AP) - A 52-year-old optometrist has been convicted of four counts of felony arson in a series of fires that damaged several downtown Walnut Creek businesses.

A jury found Scott Weinberg guilty on Thursday in the September 2009 blazes, the Contra Costa Times reported.  Jurors deliberated for less than a day.

Authorities said the largest of the fires was at a Comcast office and knocked out service to 40,000 customers.

The trial will move into a second phase on Monday in which the defense will try to convince jurors that Weinberg was legally insane at the time of the fires. Weinberg has a history of bipolar disorder and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

He remains in custody on $1.4 million bail.

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