An undocumented immigrant who took Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Gucci bag has entered a plea of guilty, a development that seems likely to result in his deportation, as per court documents.
Mario Bustamante-Leyva, 49, allegedly committed a string of thefts in Washington, D.C., between April 12 and April 20, one of which involved stealing a luxury handbag containing $3,000 while Noem was dining with her family during Easter. In all reported thefts, the victims’ credit cards were purportedly used for unauthorized purchases.
The Chilean national agreed on Friday to plead guilty to charges of wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft. He acknowledged in court that he “can be removed from the United States upon completion of the sentence imposed in this case.”
The charges have serious consequences, potentially leading to a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for wire fraud. First-degree theft could carry a sentence of up to 10 years and a $25,000 fine. The sentencing guidelines also suggest additional financial penalties, including a fine of up to $9,500 and forfeiture amounts.
Authorities revealed that Bustamante-Leyva has eight prior convictions overseas, having served multiple prison terms in both Chile and the United Kingdom.
Bustamante-Leyva was arrested on April 26 by the Metropolitan Police and U.S. intelligence officials. Investigators noted that he specifically targeted Noem at the restaurant, taking her wallet from the back of a chair before escaping.
Noem’s bag was reportedly taken from the floor next to her table at Capital Burger and contained not only $3,000 but also a driver’s license, passport, medication, a makeup bag, blank checks, a DHS badge, apartment keys, and a Louis Vuitton wallet.
Security footage captured a white male, identifiable by an N95 mask, dark trousers, and a baseball cap, swiftly grabbing the bag and leaving the premises.
Fox News has reached out to the Department of Justice for further details.
