Two Suspects Arrested in Connection with Kristi Noem's Purse Theft
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's stolen purse theft linked to career criminals, both suspects arrested are in the U.S. illegally.
The theft is suspected to be part of a crime ring targeting the city’s Penn Quarter.
Noem ‘very confident’ purse thieves are illegal immigrants - Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner·16d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.So the more that we can bring these people in and have them face consequences and get them out of our country, the safer America will be.
Noem: 'Very Confident' Purse Thief Suspects Are Illegal Migrants
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Authorities arrested two men in connection with the theft of a designer handbag belonging to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Two arrested in connection with theft of Secretary Kristi Noem's bag
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Missing in Monday’s court filings were details of how Noem, a protectee of the Secret Service, was so easily made the victim of a public theft.
Federal charges filed against alleged Kristi Noem purse thief | Politics
CNN·17d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
Authorities say Bustamante Leiva is an illegally present Chilean national, and in each ruse, he approached victims as they ate in a restaurant, stole their purses from the back of their seats, and then fled the scene.
Federal charges filed against illegal immigrant who allegedly stole Kristi Noem's purse
FOX News·17d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.Authorities said there was no evidence Noem was targeted because of her position.
Suspect in Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse theft is charged in federal court
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Summary
Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, was charged with aggravated identity theft and robbery after allegedly stealing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's purse during a family meal in Washington, D.C. Noem expressed confidence that the suspects are illegal immigrants and career criminals. Video captured Leiva stealing her bag on April 20, 2024, while her family dined at Capital Burger. He used Noem's stolen credit cards for over $200 in purchases. The second suspect, Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, was arrested in Miami. Investigators recovered Noem's belongings, including $3,000 in cash, from Leiva's motel room.
Perspectives
Mario Bustamante Leiva has been charged with aggravated identity theft, robbery, and wire fraud for the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse while she was dining at a restaurant under Secret Service protection.
Investigators revealed Leiva is a Chilean national illegally residing in the U.S. and is a suspected career criminal with a history of thefts, including two other purse thefts before Noem's incident.
Noem's statement emphasized that Leiva's actions were not targeted due to her position, and authorities have lodged an immigration detainer against him.
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