Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of a designer handbag belonging to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who had been dining with her family in Washington DC.
Secret Service, Police Make Arrests in Kristi Noem Handbag Theft Case
Secret Service, Police Make Arrests in Kristi Noem Handbag Theft Case
Two suspects apprehended following theft of Secretary Noem's designer bag during family dinner.
Authorities have made significant progress in the case of the stolen handbag from US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, arresting two men linked to the crime. The theft occurred on Easter Sunday when Noem, while dining at the Capital Burger in Washington DC, had her Gucci bag stolen right from underneath her seat.
On Saturday, police apprehended 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva, who has since been charged with robbery, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud. His criminal record indicates a troubling history, including previous convictions for similar offenses. A criminal complaint has surfaced detailing Bustamante Leiva's involvement in other robberies, with the stolen money reportedly spent on gift cards, hotel stays, and various personal expenses.
Surveillance footage allegedly captured Bustamante Leiva taking Noem's bag before he fled on a bus, only to later be spotted using her credit card for an almost $206 purchase at an Italian restaurant.
The second suspect, 51-year-old Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzanaat, was arrested in a Miami drugstore, charged for his role as an alleged co-conspirator. Weaving a complex web of connections, authorities claim he has ties to a series of robberies in Washington.
The incidents have piqued public interest partly due to Noem's profile as a former South Dakota governor. In a statement on X, she described Bustamante Leiva as a "career criminal" who has been illegally residing in the country for years. Noem’s handbag contained vital items, including her Department of Homeland Security badge, cash totaling $3,000, medication, and personal identification, which she had withdrawn to treat her family.
Although Noem was under Secret Service protection during the theft, the agents present were not immediately aware of the crime as it unfolded. The case highlights significant concerns over security in high-profile environments where cabinet members and their families are at risk of being targeted.
