UPDATE: In a shocking development, Mario Bustamante-Leiva, a 49-year-old illegal immigrant, has pleaded guilty to stealing a luxury handbag belonging to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This guilty plea, confirmed in court records, is expected to trigger his imminent deportation.
Bustamante-Leiva admitted to a string of thefts in Washington D.C. between April 12 and April 20, 2023, including the high-profile theft of Noem’s Gucci bag while she dined with her family on Easter. The bag contained $3,000 in cash, along with personal items such as her driver’s license and passport.
After stealing the bag from beside her table at The Capital Burger, Bustamante-Leiva used victims’ credit cards to make fraudulent purchases, authorities report. His actions, described by investigators as “professionally done,” have led to severe legal consequences.
In court, he pleaded guilty to multiple charges: wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft. These charges carry significant penalties, potentially resulting in up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $250,000 for wire fraud alone. Additionally, the court may impose restitution and forfeitures, with estimates suggesting up to $3,174 could be forfeited.
According to court filings, Bustamante-Leiva has a troubling history, with eight prior convictions abroad and having served multiple jail terms in both Chile and the United Kingdom. His previous criminal record adds urgency to his upcoming sentencing, as it confirms his status as removable from the United States upon serving his sentence.
Bustamante-Leiva was arrested on April 26 by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service, following a series of thefts where he targeted unsuspecting victims at restaurants. Security footage captured a man, later identified as Bustamante-Leiva, wearing a mask and baseball cap as he made off with Noem’s handbag.
As sentencing approaches, all eyes are on the judge to determine the full extent of his penalties, including potential fines and restitution. Bustamante-Leiva’s case serves as a stark reminder of ongoing issues surrounding immigration and crime, drawing attention to the legal ramifications faced by those in the U.S. illegally.
With the legal proceedings unfolding, this story is developing rapidly. Stay tuned for further updates on the sentencing and its implications for immigration law and security measures within the Department of Homeland Security.
For more information on this case and its broader implications, follow our coverage as we bring you the latest developments.
