The theft, which occurred on Easter Sunday, led to the arrests of Mario Bustamante Leiva and Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzanaat, who face multiple charges, including robbery and identity theft. Noem's handbag contained a significant amount of cash and personal items.
Two Suspects Arrested in Connection with Kristi Noem's Stolen Handbag
Two Suspects Arrested in Connection with Kristi Noem's Stolen Handbag
Police have apprehended two individuals following the theft of a designer handbag belonging to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem while she was dining in Washington D.C.
Authorities have arrested two men connected to the theft of a designer handbag belonging to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The incident occurred during Easter Sunday while Noem was dining at the popular Capital Burger restaurant in Washington D.C.
On Saturday, police took 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva into custody. The following day, the U.S. Secret Service arrested 51-year-old Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzanaat in Miami, who they allege is a co-conspirator in the crime. Bustamante Leiva faces charges of robbery, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud. The criminal complaint introduced on Monday revealed that he is suspected of involvement in two additional thefts, using the stolen funds for gift cards, hotel accommodations, and other purchases.
Noem's handbag was left by her feet while dining with family, and security footage appears to show Bustamante Leiva taking the bag. After allegedly stealing it, he was seen boarding a bus and later purchasing food and drink at an Italian restaurant, reportedly using one of Noem's credit cards for a $205.87 (£153.21) transaction.
Following his arrest in a drug store in Miami, Montecino-Sanzanaat was linked to a "pattern of robberies and thefts," officials stated. Attempts to contact legal representatives for the suspects were not immediately successful.
Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national, has a criminal history dating back to 2015, when he was sentenced to three years in prison in London for a series of thefts from various establishments. In a post shared on X, Noem criticized Bustamante Leiva as a "career criminal" who has been illegally residing in the U.S. for years.
At the time of the incident, Noem had approximately $3,000 (£2,330) in cash along with credit cards, her Homeland Security badge, medication, and her driving license in the stolen handbag. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson explained that Noem had withdrawn the cash to treat her family members to meals, activities, and holiday gifts. As a member of the cabinet, Noem has Secret Service protection, which was present at the restaurant during the theft, but did not notice the incident unfolding.
