Chilean National Pleads Guilty in Theft Case Involving Homeland Security Secretary’s Purse

Mario Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean citizen, admitted guilty to multiple theft charges in Washington, D.C., including the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse while she dined at a restaurant last spring. According to court documents, Noem’s purse contained approximately $3,000 in cash, her passport, DHS badge, credit cards, and other personal items. Bustamante Leiva pleaded guilty Friday to three counts: wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft.

Under the plea agreement, he will be “removable from the United States” after completing his sentence. Prosecutors stated federal guidelines call for between six months and 3½ years in prison, along with fines and restitution, though a sentencing date has not yet been set. Noem reacted to the theft at the time by calling the suspect “a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.” She added, “Unfortunately, so many families in this country have been made victims by crime, and that’s why President Trump is working every single day to make America safe and get these criminal aliens off of our streets.” DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin praised the outcome, saying in a statement, “We’re glad to see justice was served and this criminal illegal alien will no longer be free on America’s streets to victimize more Americans.”

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