Chilean National Sentenced for Theft of Homeland Security Secretary's Purse in D.C.
Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 50-year-old Chilean national, has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing a purse from then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem at a Washington, D.C. restaurant in April 2025. The purse, which contained credit cards and approximately $3,000 in cash, was taken while Noem was dining with her family under Secret Service protection. Leiva, who did not recognize Noem, targeted her for the expensive Gucci handbag. He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and first-degree theft, and is facing deportation after serving his sentence. Leiva was also involved in other thefts in Washington, using stolen credit cards for fraudulent purchases.