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An undocumented immigrant, who was involved in the theft of a Gucci handbag belonging to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has admitted guilt, paving the way for his likely deportation, as indicated by court documents.
Mario Bustamante-Leiva, aged 49, faced accusations of executing multiple thefts in Washington, D.C., over the period from April 12 to April 20. Among his offenses was the theft of Noem’s designer handbag, which contained $3,000 in cash, during an Easter dinner with her family. Following each incident, he allegedly utilized the victims’ credit cards for unauthorized purchases.
The Chilean citizen decided on Friday to plead guilty to charges including wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft.
In court records, Bustamante-Leiva acknowledged his deportability once his sentence is served.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem observes a vehicle inspection during a visit to the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego, U.S., on March 16, 2025. (Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS)
The charges carry steep penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for wire fraud and up to 10 years and $25,000 in fines for first-degree theft. Sentencing guidelines also recommend a fine of up to $9,500, forfeitures up to $3,174, and additional restitution to be determined by the judge.
Federal authorities noted that Bustamante-Leiva also has eight prior convictions abroad and has served seven separate jail terms in Chile and the United Kingdom.
The U.S. Secret Service and Metropolitan Police Department arrested Mario Bustamante Leiva on April 26. (Criminal Complaint)
Bustamante-Leiva was arrested April 26 by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.
According to investigators, Bustamante-Leiva targeted victims at restaurants, stealing purses from the backs of chairs before fleeing.
Mario Bustamante Leiva allegedly pictured with Noem’s bag. (Criminal Complaint)
Noem’s bag was stolen from the floor beside her table at The Capital Burger. It contained $3,000 cash, her driver’s license, passport, medication, makeup bag, blank checks, DHS badge, apartment keys and a Louis Vuitton Clemence wallet.
Security footage showed a white man wearing an N95 mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap grabbing the bag and walking out of the restaurant.
Fox News reached out to the Department of Justice for more information.