Federal charges have been filed against Mario Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean national residing unlawfully in the US, for stealing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's purse at The Capital Burger restaurant in Washington, DC. Leiva faces charges of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and robbery, and has appeared in court on an unrelated fugitive warrant. The theft involved Leiva using his leg to discreetly move Noem’s purse, which contained valuable items including cash, a Louis Vuitton wallet, and a DHS access badge. Following the theft, Leiva used Noem's credit card for personal purchases before being tracked and arrested by investigators who linked him to stolen credit card transactions. Despite his actions, Leiva claimed ignorance of Noem's identity and admitted to his actions, citing personal struggles with alcoholism and a history of thefts abroad, while investigators recovered the stolen items from his motel room.

Mario Bustamante Leiva, accused of stealing Kristi Noem’s purse, has been charged with wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and robbery. He is a Chilean national residing in the US unlawfully and appeared in court on a separate fugitive warrant.

The theft occurred at The Capital Burger in Washington, DC, where Leiva discreetly used his leg to move Noem’s purse closer before taking it. The purse contained valuable items such as a Louis Vuitton wallet, Noem’s driver’s license, a DHS access badge, and approximately $3,000 in cash.

After the theft, Leiva discarded Noem’s driver’s license and used her credit card to purchase alcohol and food at a bar. His actions were captured on surveillance footage, aiding in his identification and arrest.

Leiva was apprehended after investigators traced purchases from the stolen credit card to a motel room in DC, where they recovered over $3,000, Noem’s purse, wallet, and a 5 Euro note.

Despite being a protectee of the Secret Service, questions were raised regarding how Noem became a victim of theft in a public setting. She realized her purse was missing after leaving her table and immediately informed her Secret Service detail.

In interviews, Leiva admitted to the theft, claiming ignorance of Noem's identity and citing his alcoholism. He also identified himself in past news stories of thefts in London, indicating a history of similar criminal behavior.

US Attorney Edward Martin credited the swift identification and arrest of Leiva to the collaboration between the Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department, emphasizing the intention to prosecute him to the fullest extent.