US suspect accused of stealing Kristi Noem’s purse sentenced to three years
Summary
A Chilean man was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing a purse from then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last year. After serving his sentence, he will be deported from the United States. The case brought attention to the security around Noem and was used by President Donald Trump’s administration to support crime and immigration enforcement efforts in Washington, DC.Key Facts
- Mario Bustamante Leiva, 50, was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing Kristi Noem’s purse.
- After prison, Bustamante Leiva will be deported from the U.S.
- Bustamante Leiva targeted women at restaurants in Washington, stealing purses and using stolen credit cards quickly.
- The theft happened while Noem was dining at Capital Burger with her family in April 2025.
- Noem’s purse had several credit cards and about $3,000 in cash.
- A co-defendant, Cristian Montecino-Sanzana, was sentenced to 13 months in prison and supervised release, and will also be deported.
- The case raised questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service protection for Noem.
- President Trump used this case to support his push for strong immigration enforcement and military presence in Washington, DC, to fight crime.
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