Brade
A Chilean national, MARIO BUSTAMANTE LEIVA, 49, accused of stealing Department of Homeland Security Secretary KRISTI NOEM‘s luxury Gucci purse, was arrested in New York City weeks earlier but released due to the city’s sanctuary policies, according to a New York Post report.
Bustamante-Leiva was initially arrested in Times Square after allegedly swiping a fanny pack from an international student from India inside a dosa shop. The victim reported that the suspect racked up $1,200 in fraudulent credit card charges within 20 minutes. Despite being charged with fourth-degree felony grand larceny, the NYPD issued him a desk appearance ticket and released him.
Due to New York City’s sanctuary laws, federal immigration officials were not notified of his arrest. Bustamante-Leiva subsequently failed to appear for his court date, allowing him to allegedly target Secretary Noem on Easter Sunday.
The incident occurred while Noem was dining with her family at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C. Bustamante-Leiva is accused of stealing her Gucci bag, which contained $3,000 in cash, her driver’s license, passport, medication, makeup bag, blank checks, DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton wallet. The bag was reportedly on the floor at her table when it was taken.
Bustamante-Leiva was arrested on Saturday by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Secret Service. He faces two counts of robbery and additional federal charges filed by the U.S. Secret Service on Monday. The charges allege he committed three robberies between April 12, 2024, and April 20, 2025, and made fraudulent purchases using stolen credit cards.
Security footage captured a white man in an N95 mask, dark pants, and a baseball cap stealing the bag. Charging documents revealed that Bustamante-Leiva allegedly spent $205.87 on food and alcohol at an Italian restaurant shortly after the theft.
Bustamante-Leiva is a reported career criminal with a history of theft, including a 2021 shoplifting arrest in Utah and a 2015 arrest in London for a months-long theft spree involving $28,000 in stolen items.
A second suspect, believed to be Bustamante-Leiva’s accomplice, was also arrested in connection with the theft. The accomplice’s identity has not been disclosed, but officials confirmed the suspect is being held on an immigration detainer as charges are finalized.
[Source: New York Post](https://nypost.com)
[Source: Fox News Digital](https://www.foxnews.com)
