One would think this would be a bigger news story, but that’s okay because it matters to us and this update is for others who feel the same.

Danielle Rene Bertothy, the woman accused of burning down multiple businesses in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, will remain in federal custody until her trial, a judge ruled Tuesday, January 28th. This decision came after weeks of public outrage and increasing pressure from both the St. Louis and Puerto Rican communities.

Bertothy, 36, a native of St. Peters, M.O. (a suburb of St. Louis), appeared in U.S. District Court in downtown St. Louis for a detention hearing, where prosecutors argued she posed a flight risk. The U.S. Attorney’s Office cited her lack of employment and permanent residence, claiming she had, “nothing to lose” after being fired from her job at HLK Agency, an advertising agency, and vacating her home. Bertothy’s defense emphasized she had no prior criminal history and suggested she could live with her sister in Connecticut while awaiting trial. However, the judge dismissed this proposal, stating it was unrealistic, especially with upcoming court appearances in Puerto Rico.

Bertothy has been formally indicted on one count of arson affecting interstate commerce, a federal charge that carries a potential sentence of five to twenty years in prison if convicted. The charges stem from a January 2 incident where Bertothy allegedly set fire to Bar Marea, Artesanía Juavia, and Marinera Restaurant after being kicked out of a bar for unruly behavior. Surveillance footage from the scene reportedly shows her returning later with a gas can, subsequently identified by her Airbnb hosts as their property, intended for a generator.

The case has seen a backlash in both Puerto Rico and the St. Louis area. The Puerto Rican Society, Inc. of St. Louis recently hosted a fundraiser to support the affected businesses, raising $6,300 with donations matched up to $10,000 by an anonymous donor. The mayor of Cabo Rojo and local business owners expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the ongoing recovery efforts.

Social media has also played a pivotal role in the case. Influencers like Tizzy Ent and Danesh helped bring widespread attention to the incident, leading to Bertothy’s swift identification and later suspension from her job.

Legal experts have pointed out the complexities in cases like this, where crimes occur in U.S. territories but involve residents from the mainland. While it remains unclear whether Bertothy will be held in custody in St. Louis or transferred to Puerto Rico, she will be required to appear in federal court in Puerto Rico as the case proceeds.

As the trial date approaches, the communities affected by Bertothy’s alleged actions continue to seek justice and rebuild from the devastation left behind.