Two folks had been arrested this weekend in reference to the Easter Sunday theft of Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, authorities confirmed Sunday.
The primary suspect was arrested in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, in line with the U.S. Secret Service. Noem mentioned Sunday that the person was within the nation illegally. She known as the suspect a “career criminal,” however didn’t specify any extra particulars in regards to the particular person’s immigration standing.
Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, has been arrested and charged with two counts of theft. He additionally faces further prices for an offense being investigated by the US Secret Service, authorities mentioned.
Matt McCool, the Secret Service particular agent in cost on the Washington discipline workplace, mentioned the “investigation revealed alleged criminal activity, including potential device and credit card fraud” by the suspect, however the incident “had no protective nexus” to Noem’s place as Secretary of Homeland Safety.
“The defendant was taken into custody without incident in the District of Columbia,” McCool mentioned.
The Secret Service additionally confirmed a second suspect was arrested in Miami on Sunday by its brokers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The particular person has not been recognized however authorities say each suspects had been within the U.S. illegally and the second suspect is being held on an immigration detainer.
Noem’s purse was stolen on Sunday, April 21, from a Washington, D.C. restaurant. In keeping with three regulation enforcement sources, her bag contained numerous delicate private objects, together with Noem’s driver’s license, passport, DHS entry badge, checks and roughly $3,000 in money. Noem’s cellular phone was not within the purse, however bank cards, make-up and medicine had been among the many objects stolen.
Investigators say safety footage confirmed the suspect was carrying a masks and Noem’s purse was positioned towards her foot beneath her seat.
