UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, Mario Bustamante-Leiva, a 49-year-old illegal immigrant, has just pleaded guilty to a series of thefts, including the audacious theft of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Gucci bag containing $3,000 in cash. This guilty plea, confirmed today in a D.C. court, will likely lead to his immediate deportation.
The thefts occurred between April 12 and April 20, 2023, across various restaurants in Washington, D.C.. Bustamante-Leiva’s most infamous act involved stealing Noem’s bag while she was dining with her family on Easter Sunday. Reports indicate that he targeted victims sitting at tables, snatching purses from behind their chairs before fleeing the scene.
Court documents reveal Bustamante-Leiva has pleaded guilty to serious charges, including wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft. This could result in significant penalties, with wire fraud carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000. The first-degree theft charge could lead to an additional 10 years in prison and fines of $25,000.
Authorities have noted that Bustamante-Leiva’s history is troubling. He has eight prior convictions abroad and has served time in both Chile and the United Kingdom. His previous criminal record and this latest guilty plea will likely expedite his removal from the United States once sentencing is concluded.
In the case of Noem’s stolen bag, it not only contained cash but also her driver’s license, passport, medication, and personal items, highlighting the personal impact of this crime.
“This was a professionally executed theft,”
Noem commented, reflecting on the distress caused by the incident.
Bustamante-Leiva was apprehended on April 26 by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service, following an investigation that included reviewing security footage from the restaurant. The footage reportedly captured him wearing an N95 mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap as he fled with the luxury handbag.
As this case unfolds, the public is urged to stay tuned for updates on sentencing, where the judge will determine further financial restitution and potential fines. The implications of this case extend beyond legal consequences; it raises pressing questions about security and crime in the nation’s capital.
Given the gravity of these developments, this story is likely to resonate widely. Stay connected for the latest updates on this urgent case as it progresses through the legal system.
