Danielle Bertothy, who admitted to setting a fire that destroyed three businesses in Puerto Rico earlier this year has been sentenced to five years in federal prison, the minimum sentence allowed under the charge.
The St. Peters, Missouri resident pleaded guilty in August to one count of using fire to destroy property affecting interstate commerce. The January blaze devastated Luichy’s Seaside Hotel, Bar Marea, and a nearby souvenir shop, Artes Juavia.
Bertothy’s attorney, Justin Gelfand, said both sides had agreed to recommend the five-year term as part of her plea deal. He also noted that she will receive credit for more than ten months already served in custody and has requested that she be transferred to a facility near her family in Connecticut. A federal judge will decide on that request within 30 days.
Business owner Angel Luis Morrero, whose property was among those destroyed, told reporters he has forgiven Bertothy. “I can see and feel that she is regretful and ready to take responsibility for her actions,” Morrero said. “I forgive her and there is no longer any resentment in my heart toward her.”
Prosecutors alleged that Bertothy returned to Bar Marea after being asked to leave, poured gasoline around the property, and set it on fire. Surveillance footage captured a woman matching her description wearing a different outfit than earlier in the evening and carrying a gas can.
Court records state that Bertothy had rented an Airbnb nearby, where she was provided a generator and gasoline during a blackout. The day after the fire, she returned to the airport and flew back to St. Louis. When federal agents searched her home days later, they found clothing items that tested positive for fire accelerant.
Bertothy told police she had done “things that were out of character” while in Puerto Rico. She has remained in federal custody since January.
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Former HLK Agency employee, Danielle Bertothy indicted on arson charges in Puerto Rico
