Two Suspects Arrested in Theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Bag
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the theft of Kristi Noem's purse containing $3,000 and sensitive items during Easter dinner.
Second suspect arrested in DC robbery of Kristi Noem - Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner
Overview
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse was stolen on Easter Sunday, triggering a police investigation that led to the arrests of two suspects. The first suspect, 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva, was apprehended in D.C. and is believed to be a career criminal and illegal immigrant. He faces multiple robbery charges after evidence linked him to similar thefts. A second suspect was arrested in Miami and is also believed to be connected to the theft ring. Noem confirmed her bag contained $3,000 and sensitive items, emphasizing the effort of law enforcement in resolving the case.
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Noem's stolen purse contained $3,000 in cash, her Homeland Security access card, passport, driver's license, checks, apartment key, makeup, medication, and credit cards. She stated the cash was intended for family Easter activities, gifts, and dinner expenses.
The first suspect, Mario Bustamante Leiva, was connected via video evidence to two other Washington restaurant purse thefts this month and faces multiple robbery charges. Both suspects are in the U.S. illegally, and the second suspect is held on an immigration detainer.
Authorities confirmed there was no evidence the theft targeted Noem's position. The Secret Service stated the purse theft appeared opportunistic, with one official noting it was 'a nice-looking purse'.
Both suspects were described as being in the U.S. illegally. Leiva faces robbery charges, while the second suspect is held under an immigration detainer in Miami.
The U.S. Secret Service, Metropolitan Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) jointly investigated. Arrests occurred in Washington, D.C. (by Secret Service and local police) and Miami (by Secret Service and ICE).
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