Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Illegal Immigrant Arrested for Kristi Noem Handbag Theft Identified as Career Criminal
An undocumented immigrant, identified as a Chilean national with a history of criminal activity, has been apprehended in connection with the theft of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem’s Gucci handbag. This career criminal, now in custody, allegedly snatched the purse while Noem was dining in Washington D.C. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about illegal immigration and its potential impact on public safety.
Details of the Handbag Theft
Kristi Noem, 53, was having dinner with her family at The Capital Burger in downtown Washington D.C. when the incident occurred last Sunday. A man wearing a medical mask reportedly made off with her Gucci handbag.
The stolen purse contained:
- Approximately $3,000 in cash
- A makeup bag
- A driver’s license
- A passport
- Medication
- Apartment keys
- A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) access badge
- Blank checks
Suspect Identified as Mario Bustamante-Leiva
Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, has been arrested for the audacious theft, according to the NY Post. Authorities believe he has been residing unlawfully in the U.S. for several years and may be associated with a larger robbery network operating on the East Coast.
Bustamante-Leiva’s Criminal History
This is not Bustamante-Leiva’s first encounter with the law. He previously garnered attention in 2015 for his involvement in numerous robberies in London.
He served a three-year prison sentence in the United Kingdom after being convicted of stealing phones, wallets, and computers valued at $27,957 during a five-month crime spree.
At the time, Bustamante-Leiva was described as an unemployed father of three with no permanent residence.
Past Crimes: Targeting Restaurants and Bars
The Chilean national was known for frequenting upscale bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, where he targeted laptops, mobile phones, iPods, and tablets.
During his 2015 trial at the Old Bailey court in London, it was revealed that he once stole a bag containing an entire family’s passports and airplane boarding passes.
Surveillance footage released by the police showed Bustamante-Leiva brazenly snatching a woman’s handbag while she was engaged in conversation with a friend.
He pleaded guilty to 22 counts of theft committed between July and December 2014.
Noem’s Response and Gratitude
Noem expressed her gratitude to law enforcement officials for apprehending the alleged thief.
In a statement released on Sunday, she thanked the Secret Service, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and other law enforcement partners for locating and arresting the individual who stole her bag while she was dining with her family in Washington D.C.
She described the suspect as a “career criminal” who has been in the country without authorization for many years.
Noem emphasized the impact of crime on families across the nation and praised President Trump’s efforts to enhance safety and remove criminal aliens from the streets.
Theft Details Unveiled
According to reports, Bustamante-Leiva was seated alone at a table adjacent to Noem’s and managed to steal her purse unnoticed.
He allegedly used his left foot to pull the bag into his possession and away from Noem.
After looking around the restaurant, the suspect reportedly picked up the bag, concealed it under his jacket, and fled the scene.
Noem’s Account of the Incident
Speaking on The Vince Show, a podcast hosted by Vince Coglianese, Noem recounted the incident, stating that the thief used his foot to hook the purse, drag it a short distance, cover it with a coat, and then take it.
She suggested that she was preoccupied with caring for her grandchildren at the time and was unaware that her purse had been taken until she got up from the table.
Implications of Kristi Noem Purse Theft
The audacious nature of the theft is noteworthy, considering that Noem is protected by a 24/7 Secret Service detail.
The secretary also indicated she believes the suspect is a professional thief.
She remarked that the incident suggests such crimes are common and pose a danger in certain communities.