Second Suspect in High-Profile Purse Theft Detained in Miami

A second individual implicated in the infamous purse theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, at a restaurant in Northwest D.C., has been taken into custody in Florida. This arrest, which happened in Miami, is yet to have the suspect’s identity revealed. The successful arrest operation was a result of combined efforts between local Miami Beach Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service.

The suspect’s arrest was also made possible through contributions from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They supported the local Secret Service team of Miami, in tracking down and rounding up the accused individual. It is stated by the agency that the arrestee is connected to a series of theft and robbery cases in Washington, D.C.

Simultaneously, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in D.C. managed to identify a man previously taken into custody by the Secret Service for robbing Secretary Noem. The man in question, a 49-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva, was apprehended on Saturday. He faced charges labeled as ‘robbery (stealth)’, in relation to the theft of Secretary Noem’s handbag and those of clients at two other Northwest D.C. eateries, earlier this month.

A department spokesperson verified Bustamant Leiva’s identification by citing video evidence. The police department shared some specifics about the modus operandi of the theft incidents. Reportedly, in these instances, the culprit would target a diner, steal their handbag from the back of their chair, and swiftly escape the premises.

The purse of Secretary Noem contained significant value, holding not only $3,000 cash but also items such as her keys, driver’s license, prescription medications, and a Homeland Security badge. This incident happened when the secretary and ex-governor of South Dakota was dining at The Capital Burger located on 7th Street Northwest. The robbery took place on April 20, which was Easter Sunday.

While the incident created a media stir, the Secret Service confirmed on Sunday that Leiva’s arrest had not led them to believe he was specifically targeting Noem because of her government position. They further substantiated this by stating that the investigative process suggested the accused is a repeat offender.

‘The exhaustive investigation has led us to conclude that the accused is a habitual criminal,’ said a representative from the Secret Service. ‘Further, we deduced that this incident has no connection with Secretary Noem or her official duties as Secretary of Homeland Security.’

A coordinated inquiry into the theft was conducted by the Secret Service and MPD. They were closely collaborating with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to unravel the case.

In addition to the incident involving Secretary Noem, Bustamante Leiva is suspected of stealing purses at two other locations in Northwest D.C. The alleged robberies occurred on the 900 block of 9th Street on April 17 and on the 800 block of F Street, just five days prior.

Despite the successful arrest operation in Miami, authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the second suspect. However, the Secret Service confirms their agents are persistently cooperating with the MPD to establish formal charges against the individual.

Presently, the arrested suspect in Miami remains in custody as legal proceedings are being carried out. The charges against him are being finalized through a collaboration between MPD, Secret Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, according to a representative of the Secret Service.

Upon finalizing the charges, the suspect’s identity would be officially revealed. In Washington, D.C., a robbery conviction carries severe consequences, including a substantial prison sentence and hefty fines.

The length of prison term for theft can span anywhere from a minimum of two years to a maximum of 15 years. Financial repercussions also tend to be heavy, with fines starting from $12,500, adding a significant burden to the already stiff penalties.