Kristi Noem's alleged Bag Thief spent $205 on her amex before falling asleep at the restaurant table, and the charging documents show
An illegal immigrant is accused of stealing Kristi Noem's Gucci bag, who he allegedly used $205 for food and alcohol before falling asleep on a restaurant table.
Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, allegedly targeted three different people between April 12 and 20.
The fees filed in federal court on Monday stated that Noem was referred to only as “an individual under the protection of the U.S. Secret Service.”
Noem's handbag contains $3,000 in cash, a Louis Vuitton wallet, her DHS Access badge, apartment keys, passport, blank checks and other personal belongings.
After picking up the bag, Bustamante Leiva took the bus to a nearby Italian restaurant where he made five purchases using several American Express cards from Noem.
Mario Bustamente Leiva is accused of stealing handbags from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which contains her personal credit card and government ID (US Secret Service)
Surveillance video viewed by the Secret Service showed that he stayed in the restaurant until around midnight, then left, fell asleep on the outdoor table, and he stayed at 7:30 am the next morning.
Police and federal agents arrested Bustamante Leiva on Saturday, and on Monday he was charged with aggravated identity theft, robbery and fraud. Court records did not immediately list the attorney representing him.
The agent’s affidavit did not name Noem, but the information in the court records matched the details of her theft. Authorities say there is no evidence that Norm was targeted for his high-profile identity.
Ed Martin, interim District of Columbia Attorney, told NBC News, “Frankly, it's because it's a good-looking wallet.”
In a prepared statement, Neum called Bustamente Leiva “a professional criminal who has been illegal in our country for many years” (Copyright 2025 AP. All rights reserved)
Investigators said they identified Bustamante Leiva as the suspect in the theft after purchasing it at the motel using the stolen gift card. When Neum was shown a photo, he told investigators that he didn't know who she was, the affidavit said.
Investigators said they took back Norm's wallet and purse from his motel room.
In a prepared statement, Nom called the suspect a “professional offender who has been illegal in our country for many years.”
After Easter Sunday, Washington, DC’s bold robbery, given that she has a security team, the question is how that is possible. Her details of two plainclothes members at the restaurant bar between the family's table and the front door.
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi told NBC News: “We are currently unable to confirm or comment to ensure the safety of our agents and officials. If criminal charges are filed, the Department of Homeland Security will provide public information under established procedures.”
