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Second Arrest Made in Kristi Noem Purse Theft Case
A second individual has been apprehended regarding the theft of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse during a family lunch on Easter Sunday. This arrest follows the first, which involved a suspect believed to be the primary offender.
Authorities confirmed that the new suspect, identified as an associate of the first alleged thief, was detained in Miami. A spokesperson for the Secret Service indicated that this person was likely involved in a series of thefts within Washington, D.C.
“Public safety is enhanced when there is mutual trust and cooperation among agencies,” stated Special Agent in Charge Rafael Barros. He expressed gratitude to the Miami Beach Police Department for their rapid response, which led to the quick location and arrest of the suspect.
Details of the Arrest
The name of the alleged accomplice has not been disclosed, but officials noted that the individual is currently in custody under an immigration detainer, pending further legal action. This arrest follows the initial capture of Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national with a significant criminal background. Authorities believe Leiva was behind the theft of Noem’s bag, which contained approximately $3,000 in cash and other personal items.
Leiva’s method involved approaching victims in restaurants and stealing purses left on the backs of their chairs. Video footage led detectives to identify him as the suspect, resulting in his arrest on robbery charges.
Kristi Noem’s Response
In a statement, Noem expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies involved in the apprehension of the thieves. “This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years,” she commented.
On Easter Sunday, while dining at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., Noem’s luxury purse was taken. The bag, which contained vital documents and valuables, was reportedly stolen while it was sitting at her table. Security footage captured the theft, showing a suspect wearing a mask and baseball cap executing the crime swiftly.
Describing the incident, Noem remarked, “At first, I thought it was my grandkids playing around, but it was a well-orchestrated act of theft. It highlights a broader issue of crime that many families face.”
Expert Insight
Retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro underscored that the crime seemed motivated more by the items being stolen rather than by who they belonged to. “This is a crime trend focused on opportunity rather than targeted attacks on specific individuals,” Mauro explained.
Noem’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the criminal activities that can occur in everyday settings and around high-profile individuals. As the investigations continue, the focus remains on community safety and the actions required to prevent such incidents in the future.
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