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Authorities confirmed the arrest of two individuals this past weekend linked to the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse on Easter Sunday.
One suspect was taken into custody in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, as reported by the U.S. Secret Service. Secretary Noem described this individual as a “career criminal,” noting that he was in the country illegally, although further details on his immigration situation were not disclosed.
The suspect, identified as Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, faces two counts of robbery. Additionally, he is being investigated by the United States Secret Service for further charges related to possible criminal activities.
Matt McCool, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Washington field office, stated that the investigation uncovered “alleged criminal activity, including potential device and credit card fraud.” He emphasized that the incident was not connected to Noem’s role as Secretary of Homeland Security.
“The defendant was apprehended without incident in the District of Columbia,” McCool remarked.
The Secret Service also apprehended a second suspect, Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzanaat, 51, who was arrested at a Walgreens in South Beach. He is currently under an immigration detainer and is believed to be part of “a pattern of robberies and thefts” in Washington, D.C.
Noem’s purse was stolen on April 21 from a restaurant in Washington, D.C. According to law enforcement sources, the bag contained sensitive items, including her driver’s license, passport, DHS access badge, checks, and approximately $3,000 in cash. Although Noem’s cell phone was not in the purse, it also held credit cards, makeup, and medication.
Investigators noted that security footage captured the suspect wearing a mask, with Noem’s purse placed against her foot underneath the table.
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