A federal judge has ruled that Danielle Bertothy, a former HLK Agency employee, accused of setting multiple fires in Puerto Rico, will remain in custody until her trial. The decision was made following a detention hearing at the U.S. District Court in downtown St. Louis, where arguments centered on Bertothy’s potential flight risk.
Prosecution and Defense Present Contrasting Arguments
Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri argued that Bertothy, 36, posed a significant flight risk, citing her lack of a stable job or home and the collapse of her circumstances. The defense countered that Bertothy has no prior criminal record or history of arrests.
During an earlier hearing, Bertothy’s sister, Jessica, traveled from Connecticut to vouch for her. She proposed that Danielle could live with her, comply with court dates, and avoid alcohol, drugs, and firearms.
However, the judge found this arrangement insufficient, noting that Jessica could not be expected to monitor her sister’s behavior continuously, including trips to Puerto Rico for court appearances.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The charges stem from an incident on Jan. 2, when Bertothy allegedly set fire to a commercial building in Puerto Rico. The building housed a retailer, restaurant, bar, and hotel, forcing hotel guests to evacuate. Prosecutors say the fire was sparked after Bertothy was denied alcohol at a bar called Lucia’s on the Beach earlier in the evening.
Court documents reveal that Bertothy called 911 three times to complain about being ejected from the bar but did not report the fire once it started. Surveillance footage reportedly shows her returning to the bar with a gas can, wearing the same outfit from earlier. Witnesses, including the owners of the Airbnb where Bertothy was staying, identified her from the footage and noted that the gas can had been left behind for a generator.
After the fire, Bertothy allegedly cut her vacation short and returned home without notifying authorities.
Evidence Uncovered
On Jan. 7, federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) searched Bertothy’s home in St. Peters. Agents found her luggage unpacked, with clothing matching what she wore on the night of the fire and at the airport. They also discovered cocaine, empty wine boxes, and beer cans during the search.
Bertothy was formally indicted on Jan. 16 on one count of using fire to destroy a building affecting interstate commerce, a federal arson charge. She could face between 5 and 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
Whether Bertothy will stay in federal custody in St. Louis or be transferred to Puerto Rico remains unclear. Her trial date has not yet been set.
REELated:
Danielle Bertothy, accused of Puerto Rico arson, appears in court
