A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico has returned an indictment charging a St. Peters, Missouri woman, with arson.
According to court documents, on or about January 2, 2025, Danielle Bertothy, 36, maliciously damaged and destroyed, by means of fire, a building and other real and personal property used in interstate and foreign commerce and in activities affecting interstate and foreign commerce, to wit: a commercial building consisting of a retail store, a restaurant, a bar, and a hotel located at Road 3301 KM 2.9 Combate Beach, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico.
“This defendant will be held accountable for her dangerous actions that caused significant damage and put many lives at risk,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with federal, state and local law enforcement partners will continue to vigorously enforce federal laws and bring to justice criminals who engage in violent crimes.”
“This arrest shows the commitment of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in the fight against violent as well destructive criminal behaviour, regardless of where it manifests – on the mainland or the U.S. Territories,” said Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge of ATF Miami Field Division.
Bertothy is charged with using fire to destroy any building affecting interstate commerce (arson). The defendant is scheduled for her initial court appearance on Friday, January 17, before a magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
If convicted, she faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
