Federal charges filed against alleged Kristi Noem purse-snatcher
The U.S. Secret Service recently filed federal criminal charges against Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old man accused of snatching Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse while she was out with her family on Easter Sunday. The charges include wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and robbery, stemming from a series of three robberies committed between April 12, 2024, and April 20, 2025. After each robbery, Bustamante Leiva allegedly made fraudulent purchases using the credit cards obtained from his victims.
The suspect, who is an illegally present Chilean national, reportedly targeted victims dining in restaurants by approaching them, stealing their purses from the back of their seats, and then fleeing the scene. Video evidence of the thefts led detectives to identify Bustamante Leiva as the alleged culprit. He was apprehended by members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Secret Service on Saturday, initially facing two counts of robbery with additional charges pending for another offense under investigation by the Secret Service.
On Easter Sunday, Noem was dining with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., when Bustamante Leiva allegedly snatched her luxury bag containing $3,000 in cash, along with her driver’s license, passport, medication, makeup bag, blank checks, DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton Clemence wallet. The bag was reportedly on the floor at her table when it was stolen, with security footage capturing a White man in a N95 surgical mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap grabbing the bag before exiting the restaurant.
The arrest of Bustamante Leiva sheds light on the importance of vigilance and security measures in public spaces to prevent such crimes. The swift action taken by law enforcement agencies highlights their dedication to protecting citizens and ensuring justice is served. The incident serves as a reminder for individuals to remain cautious and safeguard their belongings, especially in crowded areas.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Fox News Digital.
Greg Wehner, a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital, covers the latest updates on this case. For story tips and ideas, you can reach out to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com or follow him on Twitter @GregWehner.
