Danielle Bertothy, a 36-year-old former HLK Agency account manager, from St. Peters, Missouri, appeared in federal court on Wednesday for a detention hearing after being accused of setting fire to a commercial building while on vacation in Puerto Rico earlier this month.
The incident, which occurred on January 2, allegedly started after Bertothy was denied alcohol at Lucia’s on the Beach, a bar within the building. The fire forced the evacuation of hotel guests and caused significant damage to a property that housed a retailer, a restaurant, and a bar.
During the hearing, prosecutors, according to Fox St. Louis, presented evidence suggesting Bertothy’s actions were premeditated and argued she should remain in custody until her trial. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Bertothy returning to the bar later that evening with a gas can, wearing the same outfit she had on when removed from the establishment.
Federal prosecutors allege that after starting the fire, Bertothy remained in the area but did not call 911, despite having called emergency services earlier that night to complain about being removed from the bar. In contrast, emergency responders received multiple calls from other citizens reporting the blaze.
Adding to the case, the owners of Bertothy’s Airbnb identified her in the surveillance footage. They claim they left the gas can at the property for use with a generator in case of a power outage. Following her interview with local authorities, Bertothy reportedly cut her vacation short and returned to Missouri.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at Bertothy’s home in St. Peters on January 7. Agents discovered unpacked luggage containing clothing that matched what she had worn on the night of the fire and during her return trip from Puerto Rico.
After the search, prosecutors said Bertothy was suspended by St. Louis-based HLK Agency and had a storage container placed outside her home. Prosecutors argued that these actions, along with the severity of the charges, indicated a potential flight risk.
Bertothy’s defense team reportedly countered that she has no prior criminal history and no history of arrests. They argued the storage container was unrelated to the case, claiming her landlord had initially asked her to move out but later reversed the decision.
Danielle’s sister traveled from Connecticut to vouch for her character, offering to have her live under her supervision to ensure she attended all court dates and avoided alcohol, drugs, or firearms.
Bertothy faces one count of using fire to destroy a building affecting interstate commerce, a serious federal arson charge. The judge is expected to decide by Thursday whether Bertothy will be detained or released until her trial.
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Former HLK Agency employee, Danielle Bertothy indicted on arson charges in Puerto Rico
