The theft of a designer handbag belonging to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem led to the arrest of two suspects who allegedly used her stolen credit cards. Noem's bag, containing cash and personal items, was stolen while she dined in Washington DC.**
Arrests Made in Theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's Designer Handbag**
Arrests Made in Theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's Designer Handbag**
Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of Secretary Kristi Noem's handbag, with investigations revealing prior criminal activities.**
Authorities have made two arrests related to the theft of a designer handbag belonging to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The incident took place on Easter Sunday while Noem was dining with her family at a popular restaurant in Washington, D.C.
On Saturday, police apprehended 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva, and the following day, the US Secret Service captured a second suspect, identified as 51-year-old Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, in Miami. Bustamante Leiva has been charged with robbery, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud. Court documents indicate that Bustamante Leiva was allegedly involved in additional robberies and used the stolen funds to purchase gift cards, hotel rooms, and other items.
Noem's Gucci handbag was left at her feet while dining at Capital Burger when Bustamante Leiva supposedly stole it. Security footage reportedly shows him taking the bag and later using one of Noem's stolen credit cards at an Italian restaurant for a purchase totaling $205.87. Meanwhile, Montecino-Sanzana was arrested at a drug store in Miami, with officials noting his connection to a series of thefts in Washington.
Details regarding legal representation for the suspects remain unknown. Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national, previously served a three-year sentence in London for a range of thefts from various food establishments. On X, Noem remarked that the suspect is a habitual criminal who has resided in the US illegally for several years.
Noem's handbag contained $3,000 in cash, credit cards, her Homeland Security badge, medication, and her driver’s license, with the cash reportedly withdrawn for treating her children and grandchildren. Like many cabinet officials, Noem is accompanied by a Secret Service protection detail, who were present at the restaurant during the theft but did not notice the incident in real-time.
