On Easter Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem experienced a personal violation when her purse was stolen while she dined with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C. Contained within the stolen bag were items of significant value, including her passport, Department of Homeland Security identification, wallet, and $3,000 in cash, intended as gifts for her grandchildren. The incident not only resulted in a loss of personal belongings but also led to the misuse of Noem's credit card at a nearby restaurant.
The alleged thief, Mario Bustamante Leiva, is currently facing legal repercussions as federal prosecutors, led by Acting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, have filed a superseding indictment against him and his accomplice, Cristian Montecino-Sananza. The indictment not only calls for the return of the stolen items but also the forfeiture of any profits made from their sale. Photographic evidence has placed 49-year-old Chilean national Bustamante Leiva at the scene with the secretary's Gucci bag and credit card.
Despite being under the watchful eye of a full Secret Service security detail, the agents failed to notice the theft, which transpired as Bustamante Leiva used his foot to discreetly drag the bag away before making his exit. The Daily Mail reported that subsequent charges of $15.40 and over $200 were made on Noem's credit card at Angolo Ristorante Italiano.
Secretary Noem, who has garnered attention for her law enforcement-related fashion and has been nicknamed "ICE Barbie" due to her immigration enforcement appearances, found herself in an unforeseen circumstance that raised questions about the security provided to her. After Bustamante Leiva's arrest, he confessed to being homeless and struggling with alcoholism, revealing a more tragic facet of the crime.
The indictment alleges that Bustamante Leiva and Montecino-Sananza have engaged in a pattern of stealing purses and using the stolen funds for various expenses. This includes a separate incident where they purportedly used stolen money to purchase a $500 Visa gift card, pay for hotel accommodations, and travel via the D.C. metro.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host, has taken charge of the case as part of her new role after being sworn in following President Trump's withdrawal of his previous nominee, Ed Martin. Trump lauded Pirro's appointment on social media, marking the indictment as one of her first major actions in office.
As the legal process unfolds, the charges against the accused include wire fraud, aiding and abetting, aggravated identity theft, and robbery. The case against Bustamante Leiva and Montecino-Sananza comprises a total of nine counts, alongside two forfeiture allegations, highlighting the severity of the offenses and the commitment of federal authorities to prosecute such crimes.
