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Two Arrested in Connection to Kristi Noem Handbag Theft
Authorities have apprehended two individuals linked to the theft of a designer handbag belonging to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The incident, involving the high-profile handbag theft, occurred while Noem was dining in a well-known Washington DC eatery on Easter Sunday, prompting swift action from law enforcement.
Arrests Made in Washington DC and Miami
On Saturday, law enforcement officials took 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva into custody. Subsequently, on Sunday, the US Secret Service announced the arrest of Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzanaat, 51, in Miami, identified as an alleged accomplice in the crime. The Secret Service connected Montecino-Sanzanaat also to “a pattern of robberies and thefts” in Washington.
Charges Filed Against Suspects in Designer Handbag Theft
Bustamante Leiva faces charges including robbery, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud. A criminal complaint filed on Monday alleges his involvement in two additional robberies. According to the complaint, he allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase gift cards, hotel accommodations, and other items.
Details of the Handbag Theft Incident
Noem, the former governor of South Dakota, was dining at Capital Burger when her Gucci handbag, containing $3,000 in cash, credit cards, her Homeland Security identification, medication, and her driver’s license, was taken. The handbag was placed by her feet, underneath her chair.
- Security footage purportedly shows Bustamante Leiva taking the bag.
- He then boarded a bus and later visited an Italian restaurant.
- He is accused of spending $205.87 on food and beverages, using Noem’s credit card.
Secret Service Involvement and Previous Criminal Record
Montecino-Sanzanaat was apprehended in a Miami drugstore. According to the Secret Service, he was associated with “a pattern of robberies and thefts” in Washington. In 2015, Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national, received a three-year prison sentence from a London court for committing a string of thefts from sandwich shops, bars, and pubs.
Following the incident, Noem stated on X that the suspect “is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.” Also, according to a Department of Homeland Security representative, Noem had withdrawn the cash to treat her children and grandchildren to dinner, activities and holiday gifts.
While Noem has Secret Service protection, agents were present in the restaurant at the time of the crime but did not immediately notice the theft.