**Authorities have apprehended two suspects linked to the theft of Kristi Noem's handbag, containing cash and identification, during a family dinner outing.**
**Two Arrested in Kristi Noem Handbag Theft Case**
**Two Arrested in Kristi Noem Handbag Theft Case**
**US Secretary’s designer bag was stolen while she dined with family in Washington DC**
In an unfolding case that has captured national attention, police have arrested two men in connection with the theft of a designer handbag belonging to US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The incident took place on Easter Sunday while Noem was enjoying a meal with her family at a well-frequented restaurant in Washington DC.
On Saturday, law enforcement officials apprehended 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva, followed by the arrest of another suspected accomplice, 51-year-old Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzanaat, in Miami on Sunday. Reports from CBS News and BBC indicate that Bustamante Leiva faces charges including robbery, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud, as he was allegedly involved in previous criminal activities.
A criminal complaint suggests that Bustamante Leiva had a history of theft and misuse of stolen property, utilizing the stolen funds for extravagant purchases such as gift cards and hotel rooms. The theft was reportedly captured on security cameras, showing Bustamante Leiva taking Noem’s Gucci handbag from beneath her seat. After the theft, he was seen using one of Noem's credit cards to pay for food and drinks at an Italian restaurant later that evening, totaling $205.87 (£153.21).
Montecino-Sanzanaat was taken into custody at a Miami drug store, with authorities indicating a broader scheme involving multiple thefts in Washington. Legal representation for both suspects is currently unclear. Notably, Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national, has a prior criminal history including a 2015 conviction in London for theft from various establishments.
In a statement posted on social media, Noem criticized Bustamante Leiva, labeling him a "career criminal" who has been in the United States unlawfully for an extended period. She disclosed that the stolen handbag contained $3,000 (£2,330) in cash, credit cards, her Department of Homeland Security badge, personal medication, and her driver’s license, which she had withdrawn to treat her family to a special dinner and holiday gifts.
During the incident, Noem and her family were under the protection of Secret Service agents, who were present at the restaurant but did not immediately notice the theft as it occurred. The investigation into the theft and the suspects continues.
On Saturday, law enforcement officials apprehended 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva, followed by the arrest of another suspected accomplice, 51-year-old Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzanaat, in Miami on Sunday. Reports from CBS News and BBC indicate that Bustamante Leiva faces charges including robbery, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud, as he was allegedly involved in previous criminal activities.
A criminal complaint suggests that Bustamante Leiva had a history of theft and misuse of stolen property, utilizing the stolen funds for extravagant purchases such as gift cards and hotel rooms. The theft was reportedly captured on security cameras, showing Bustamante Leiva taking Noem’s Gucci handbag from beneath her seat. After the theft, he was seen using one of Noem's credit cards to pay for food and drinks at an Italian restaurant later that evening, totaling $205.87 (£153.21).
Montecino-Sanzanaat was taken into custody at a Miami drug store, with authorities indicating a broader scheme involving multiple thefts in Washington. Legal representation for both suspects is currently unclear. Notably, Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national, has a prior criminal history including a 2015 conviction in London for theft from various establishments.
In a statement posted on social media, Noem criticized Bustamante Leiva, labeling him a "career criminal" who has been in the United States unlawfully for an extended period. She disclosed that the stolen handbag contained $3,000 (£2,330) in cash, credit cards, her Department of Homeland Security badge, personal medication, and her driver’s license, which she had withdrawn to treat her family to a special dinner and holiday gifts.
During the incident, Noem and her family were under the protection of Secret Service agents, who were present at the restaurant but did not immediately notice the theft as it occurred. The investigation into the theft and the suspects continues.
