A recent complaint sheds light on the suspects accused of snatching Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse in Washington, D.C. The primary suspect, Mario Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national, was arrested in connection to the theft.
The complaint details federal charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and robbery against Bustamante Leiva. He admitted to stealing Noem’s purse but denied recognizing her when shown a photo by law enforcement.
Bustamante Leiva used his feet to slide out Noem’s purse and later confessed to still having it in a motel room purchased using stolen credit cards. He made fraudulent purchases totaling $205.87 with the stolen credit cards.
A second arrest in Miami, believed to be a co-conspirator with Bustamante Leiva, was announced by the USSS. Noem’s theft incident is linked to efforts to intensify deportation activities by the Trump administration.
Despite Bustamante Leiva’s claims of alcoholism and memory issues, law enforcement continues the investigation into the purse snatching case.
