An illegal alien has been charged with stealing the purse of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, along with two other alleged bag thefts in Washington, D.C., according to federal court filings. Mario Bustamente Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national, faces charges of robbery, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
“We began this investigation with only a grainy security video of a masked offender,” said U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge, Matt McCool. “The subsequent arrests in this case are a testament to the extraordinary investigative work by the analysts and special agents of the Washington Field Office, the USSS Uniformed Division, and the Metropolitan Police Department. We also received valuable assistance from our partners at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
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The incidents, which occurred between April 12th and April 20th, culminated in the theft of Secretary Noem’s purse at Capital Burger, where she was dining with her family on Easter. According to a U.S. Secret Service agent’s complaint, Leiva allegedly made fraudulent purchases using credit cards stolen from each victim.
Leiva, whom prosecutors say is in the country illegally, was apprehended Saturday at a D.C. motel. Authorities recovered Noem’s purse and wallet, along with cash and clothing matching those seen in surveillance footage of the robberies. An alleged accomplice in the April 12th theft was arrested in South Florida.
The complaint details a series of thefts, beginning on April 12th at Nando’s restaurant, where Leiva allegedly stole a woman’s purse with the assistance of an accomplice. Surveillance footage showed the two men using the victim’s credit card at a Safeway grocery store.
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On April 17th, Leiva is alleged to have stolen a tan shoulder bag from Dolcezza coffee and gelato shop and later a purse from the Westin Hotel Downtown. Surveillance footage from the Westin incident showed Leiva passing by the victim’s chair, after which her purse disappeared. He then allegedly used the victim’s credit card at the same Safeway.
The final incident involved Secretary Noem. Surveillance footage from Capital Burger showed Leiva entering the restaurant and sitting near Noem, before allegedly using his leg to pull her purse towards him. The complaint states that he then bent down and retrieved the purse. Noem’s purse contained $3,000 in cash. Leiva then allegedly made multiple purchases at an Italian restaurant using Noem’s credit cards.
Upon his arrest, Leiva admitted to stealing Noem’s bag, stating he was an alcoholic and had memory issues. He denied knowing Noem’s identity.
The complaint details how after each theft, Leiva used the stolen credit cards to make purchases. For example, after stealing Noem’s bag, Leiva used her cards to purchase food and alcohol at an Italian restaurant.
Leiva was taken to a hospital for alcohol withdrawal upon his arrest. He has since been interviewed by D.C. police and a Secret Service agent.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Secret Service working in concert with the Metropolitan Police Department, this alleged thief was quickly identified, arrested, and, with the deft management of the Assistant US Attorney, charged,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “He will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
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