(Washington, D.C.) — The man arrested for stealing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse from a restaurant in D.C. is being handed several charges. He’s now identified as 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva. Federal authorities say the man is a Chilean national who’s been living in the U.S. illegally. Bustamante Leiva is charged with robbery, wire fraud and identity theft in connection to three separate purse snatchings. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer against him. Noem’s bag was stolen while she ate dinner with her family on Easter in the nation’s capital. She lost her wallet, driver’s license, apartment keys, passport, department security badge and about three thousand dollars in cash. Investigators are still looking into a possible theft ring that was recently targeting D.C.’s Penn Quarter.
Man Charged In Noem Stolen Purse Investigation
