Authorities have apprehended two men connected to the theft of U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's handbag while she dined with family. The stolen bag contained significant cash and personal items, highlighting ongoing concerns surrounding security for public officials.
Two Arrested in Connection with Secretary Kristi Noem's Stolen Handbag
Two Arrested in Connection with Secretary Kristi Noem's Stolen Handbag
The theft of a designer handbag belonging to Secretary Kristi Noem led to the arrest of two suspects, following a series of robberies linked to the incident in Washington, D.C.
In a shocking turn of events, two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of a designer handbag belonging to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The incident took place on Easter Sunday when Noem was dining at the popular Capital Burger restaurant in Washington, D.C., with her family.
The first suspect, 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva, was apprehended on Saturday, while a second individual, identified as 51-year-old Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzanaat, was arrested on Sunday in Miami by agents of the U.S. Secret Service, which is investigating a broader pattern of thefts in the area.
Bustamante Leiva faces multiple charges, including robbery, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud. According to a criminal complaint, he is allegedly involved in several other robberies, utilizing the stolen proceeds for gift cards, hotel accommodations, and other purchases. Security footage reportedly shows him taking Noem's Gucci handbag from beneath her seat during the dinner. Following the theft, Bustamante Leiva was seen using one of Noem's credit cards at a local Italian restaurant, spending approximately $205.87.
Montecinono-Sanzanaat's arrest brings further implications, as authorities claim he is linked to a series of thefts in Washington, making this incident part of a troubling trend. His arrest took place at a Miami drug store, where he was identified by Secret Service agents.
Noem, who served as the governor of South Dakota prior to her current role, expressed her outrage via a post on social media, calling Bustamante Leiva "a career criminal" who has been illegally residing in the United States for years. At the time of the theft, her handbag contained around $3,000 in cash, along with various personal items, including credit cards, her Department of Homeland Security badge, and medication.
Despite having a Secret Service protection detail present at the restaurant, the theft went unnoticed until it was too late. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security noted that Noem had intended to use the cash to treat her children and grandchildren for a meal, among other holiday gifts. The violent rise in theft, especially against high-profile individuals, raises significant concerns about security protocols in public spaces.
