Five Years For Woman Who Burned Down Several Businesses in Puerto Rico

Were is not for social media, Danielle Bertothy could have gotten away with this.

The Missouri woman who burned down a popular bar and other businesses in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico on New Year’s Eve will be spending the next one in a federal prison after being handed a five year sentence Monday.

Danielle Rene Bertothy pleaded guilty to one felony count of arson in federal court in San Juan on July 22. Facing 20 years, she was given the minimum sentence, per her request. She also received three years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, and the obligation to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution to the affected property owners.

Bertothy was vacationing in Cabo Rojo when, while allegedly intoxicated, started an altercation at Bar Marea. Bar employees asked her to leave, with police assisting the bar in removing Bertothy and escorted her to her AirBnB nearby. Bertothy later returned two more times, once when the bar was closing to argue with employees and then once again after it had closed.This is when Bertothy allegedly set the bar and a nearby gift shop and restaurant on fire.

While there was scant reporting on the incident, there was outrage on social media, with individuals and influencers like  Tizzy Ent and Danesh working to identify Bertothy. She was eventually arrested at her home in St. Peters, Missouri after she left her AirBnB and took an early flight back home. Police later found the clothes she wore on New Year’s Eve.

Angel Luis Morrero, the owner of Luichy’s Seaside hotel, the restaurant that was damaged in the fire, initially wanted to see Bertothy get the 20 years, but has since changed his mind. “I can see and feel that she is regretful and ready to take responsibility for her actions, and I want to tell her that I forgive her and that there is no longer any resentment in my heart toward her,” he said.

Bertothy has asked to be incarcerated in a facility in Connecticut where she can be near family.