Illegal immigrant pleads guilty to stealing DHS Secretary Noem’s Gucci bag
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The illegal immigrant who stole Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Gucci bag has pleaded guilty, court records show, in a move that will likely lead to his deportation.
Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, is accused of committing a series of thefts in Washington, D.C., between April 12 and 20, including stealing Noem’s luxury purse containing $3,000 in cash while she was dining with her family on Easter. After each theft, the victims allegedly used their credit cards to make fraudulent purchases.
The Chilean national agreed to plead guilty Friday to wire fraud, aiding and abetting and first-degree theft.
He acknowledged that he “may be removed from the United States upon completion of the sentence imposed in this case,” according to court records.
DHS CHIEF KRISTI NOEM’S BAG WAS STOLEN WITH THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AT DC RESTAURANT: SOURCES
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem looks on during vehicle screening during a tour of the San Ysidro Port of Entry on March 16, 2025, in San Diego, USA. (Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS)
The charges carry very severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud, and 10 years and a $25,000 fine for first-degree theft. The sentencing guidelines also recommend a fine of up to $9,500, forfeitures of up to $3,174 and additional damages to be determined by the judge.
Bustamante-Leiva also had eight convictions abroad and seven separate prison terms in Chile and the United Kingdom, federal officials said.
DHS CHIEF KRISTI NOEM EXPLAINS HOW HER BAG WAS STOLEN AT RESTAURANT: ‘IT WAS DONE PROFESSIONALLY’
The U.S. Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department arrested Mario Bustamante Leiva on April 26. (Criminal Complaint)
Bustamante-Leiva was arrested on April 26 by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.
According to investigators, Bustamante-Leiva targeted victims at restaurants by stealing bags from behind chairs before fleeing.
Mario Bustamante Leiva was allegedly photographed with Noem’s purse. (Criminal Complaint)
Noem’s purse was stolen from the floor next to her table at The Capital Burger. Inside was $3,000 in cash, her driver’s license, passport, medications, makeup bag, blank checks, DHS badge, apartment keys and a Louis Vuitton Clemence wallet.
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Security footage shows a white man wearing an N95 mask, dark pants and a baseball cap grabbing the bag and running out of the restaurant.
Fox News has reached out to the Department of Justice for more information.
