URGENT UPDATE: An illegal immigrant has pleaded guilty to stealing a luxury handbag belonging to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, an incident that is likely to result in his deportation. Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, admitted to charges of wire fraud and first-degree theft during a court appearance on April 26, 2023.
This high-profile theft occurred while Noem was dining with her family at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. between April 12 and 20, where Bustamante-Leiva allegedly snatched her Gucci bag, which contained $3,000 in cash and other personal items. Following the theft, he reportedly used stolen credit cards to make fraudulent purchases, escalating the severity of his crimes.
Court records reveal that Bustamante-Leiva’s guilty plea includes acknowledgment of his status as “removable from the United States” after serving his sentence. The implications of this plea are significant, as he now faces possible prison time of up to 20 years for wire fraud, along with hefty fines reaching $250,000 and restitution costs.
Bustamante-Leiva’s prior criminal history includes eight convictions abroad and multiple jail terms in Chile and the United Kingdom, indicating a troubling pattern of criminal behavior. Authorities confirmed he was apprehended by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service, following a string of thefts across the capital.
The theft of Noem’s bag, which was taken from the floor beside her table at The Capital Burger, included vital personal items such as her driver’s license, passport, and a Louis Vuitton wallet. Security footage captured the incident, showing a man in a mask and baseball cap executing the theft.
As the case unfolds, the public will be watching closely for sentencing updates and the potential deportation of Bustamante-Leiva. This case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting issues of security and accountability within high-profile government circles.
Stay tuned for further developments on this story as it continues to evolve.
