Second Arrest Made in Theft of Kristi Noem’s Purse

Diners at a restaurant, unaware of a brazen purse theft occurring nearby.

News Summary

The investigation into the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse has led to the arrest of a second suspect in South Florida. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin confirmed the suspect is in the country illegally and faces charges related to stolen identification. The theft occurred while Noem dined at Capital Burger, where a masked thief snatched her purse containing $3,000 in cash and sensitive items. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and the possible criminal patterns of the suspects involved.

Second Arrest in Theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Purse

In a surprising turn of events, the investigation into the theft of **Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse** has led to the arrest of a second suspect in **South Florida**. This recent development has been confirmed by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Ed Martin, who also noted that the suspect is in the country illegally.

Details on the Arrest

The **second suspect** was apprehended with the valuable assistance of the Miami Beach Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Miami Beach police, the individual now faces charges for possessing a driver’s license or identification that was either stolen or fictitious. This adds another layer of complexity to an already puzzling case.

First Suspect’s Background

Prior to this arrest, the first suspect, **Mario E. Bustamante Leiva**, a **49-year-old Chilean national**, was taken into custody just a day earlier. Investigators believe that both suspects are involved in a pattern of thefts and robberies. Notably, Bustamante Leiva faces additional charges for two separate robberies that occurred before the incident involving Noem’s purse.

The Incident Explained

The theft incident occurred at **Capital Burger** in Washington, D.C., where the masked thief snatched **Noem’s purse** right from her table while she was dining with family. What’s particularly astonishing is that the thief managed to pass by two plainclothes Secret Service agents to reach Noem’s table undetected.

What’s Inside the Purse?

In a bizarre twist, the purse contained a whopping **$3,000 cash**, as well as **Noem’s DHS access badge**, a collection of credit cards, blank checks, her passport, keys, and even her driver’s license. The extensive contents of the purse have made the incident even more high-profile.

Legal Proceedings and Future Actions

Authorities have stated that there’s currently no indication that the purse was specifically targeted due to Noem’s position as Secretary of DHS; it seems the thief simply thought it was a **nice looking purse**. Martin has pointed out that immigration enforcement actions will likely follow, suggesting that the legal repercussions for both suspects could be significant.

Bustamante Leiva’s Criminal Background

Interestingly, Bustamante Leiva has been characterized as a **serial offender**, involved in various fraudulent activities, including potential credit card fraud. This paints a broader picture of a criminal pattern that goes beyond this single incident.

The Secret Service’s Role

The case remains under the jurisdiction of the **Secret Service**, which is continuing its investigation and plans to present findings in federal court. Officials are taking the matter very seriously, acknowledging the potential risks associated with such brazen thefts, especially when they involve high-profile individuals.

Noem’s Response

Kristi Noem has chosen to remain tight-lipped regarding her stolen purse, declining to comment as the investigation is ongoing. With the situation still unfolding, many are curious to see how this will play out in the legal system.