Bad enough media outlets aren’t exactly jumping on this story and that we all have had to rely on the public to get this story around, but how many of you would have staid out of jail for almost two weeks after you did this? Everyone, meet Danielle Bertothy!

A Missourian who is accused of burning down a bar in Puerto Rico that she was kicked out of was detained at her home but not arrested by federal authorities Jan. 8- a week after social media brought attention to the case.

According to VOTP News via their Instagram account, Danielle Rene Bertothy, 36, of St. Peters, Missouri, was detained in connection with a series of arson attacks that destroyed three businesses in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Bar Marea, Artesanía Juavia and Marinera Restaurant. Bertothy was taken in for questioning and her home was searched. The ATF have clarified that despite what has been said about a video that has been shared on social media of being detained, she has not been formally charged or arrested. Sgt Melissa Doss of the St. Peters Police Dept. confirmed in a statement that they have communicated with Puerto Rican authorities as well as the ATF, but no arrest warrants have been issued yet. “It is important to note, St. Peters Police Department does not have jurisdiction to investigate a fire and alleged arson in Puerto Rico,” Doss wrote. “We have been assisting with any requests from the ATF and will continue to do so.”

Video of Bertothy being unruly in the Bar Marea during what appeared to be a New Year’s vacation. Witnesses reporting that she was allegedly intoxicated and started an altercation which resulted in the bar employee asking her to leave with police escorting her to the Airbnb that she was staying. She returned while the bar was closing and argued with the employee before leaving again. Video shot after the bar was closed that reportedly shows her returning with a gasoline can and setting not only the bar ablaze but other businesses including a gift shop owned by the bar called Artesanía Juavia.
The fire destroyed businesses that were central in that community. A GoFundMe campaign was established to help the owners of those businesses. The owner of Luichy’s Seaside Hotel, which was also damaged in the fire, who rents to Marinera Restaurant, Artesanías Juavia and Bar Marea Restaurant.

Meanwhile, social media sleuths, such as Tizzy Ent and Danesh help others to find and identify her by spreading the story around. When she was identified, Bertothy’s employer, HLK Agency, suspended her, releasing a statement expressing their shock over the incident. “We were shocked to learn about the event in Puerto Rico earlier this afternoon. We have not yet been contacted by law enforcement but are ready to cooperate in their investigation if asked,” the statement read.
It was a neighbor of Bertothy’s in Missouri, who provided footage of the ATF operation, showing agents escorting Bertothy out of her residence. The neighbor told VOTP the neighborhood was shocked when they saw the ATF there. “It was surreal to see this unfold. She seemed like a quiet person, but the footage from Puerto Rico and what happened there makes this a significant case,” Kelley Anne.

Go Fund Me for Bar Marea and Artesanía Juavia

Go Fund Me for Luichy’s Seaside Hotel