(NewsNation) — One of the suspects who stole Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse last week committed a similar crime in New York just weeks before, the New York Post first reported.
Chilean national Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, carried out four thefts in eight days, law enforcement sources told the outlet. Charging documents obtained by NewsNation partner The Hill confirmed three incidents — Noem’s and two others.
The most high-profile crime was Bustamante Leiva’s stealing of Noem’s Gucci purse — which contained around $3,000 in cash, her ID and passport — while the Trump official was eating at Capital Burger in downtown Washington, D.C., on Easter.
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His other alleged crimes include a 2015 theft bust in the United Kingdom, a 2021 shoplifting arrest in Utah and the proliferation of a fanny pack in Times Square in March, sources told the Post.
After the New York offense, Bustamante Leiva was reportedly set free within 30 minutes of being apprehended.
“That’s insane. I don’t know how he was let out after that without any reason,” the victim, an international student who wished to remain anonymous, told the Post.
New York’s sanctuary laws would prevent city police from reporting Bustamante Leiva to federal immigration authorities, despite him being in the country illegally.
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Bustamante Leiva reportedly admitted to taking Noem’s purse when arrested, though he contended he had no clue who she was. He also told authorities he was an alcoholic with memory issues.
Prosecutors filed federal robbery and wire fraud charges against Bustamante Levia on Monday. Police have also arrested a second suspect who is an alleged co-conspirator, but prosecutors have not yet filed federal charges against the individual.
NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this report.
