BREAKING: Mario Bustamante-Leiva, a 49-year-old illegal immigrant, has pleaded guilty to multiple theft charges, including the audacious theft of a Gucci bag belonging to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This plea, announced just moments ago, is set to result in his deportation following his admission of guilt and prior convictions.
Between April 12 and April 20, 2023, Bustamante-Leiva engaged in a crime spree across Washington, D.C., culminating in the theft of Noem’s luxury handbag, which contained $3,000 in cash and vital personal items. The theft occurred while Noem was dining with her family during Easter at The Capital Burger. Authorities report that the bag also held her driver’s license, passport, and a Louis Vuitton wallet.
In a shocking twist, Bustamante-Leiva was arrested on April 26 by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. Investigators revealed that he targeted unsuspecting patrons at restaurants, stealing bags from their chairs and fleeing the scene. Security footage captured the moment he brazenly took Noem’s bag, disguised in an N95 mask and baseball cap.
With this plea, Bustamante-Leiva faces severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and 10 years for first-degree theft. Additionally, he could incur fines totaling up to $250,000 and further restitution determined by the court. Court filings indicate that Bustamante-Leiva has a troubling history, with eight prior convictions and seven jail terms served in Chile and the United Kingdom.
The implications of this case extend beyond Bustamante-Leiva’s immediate legal troubles. According to court documents, he acknowledged he is “removable from the United States” upon serving his sentence. This development raises significant questions about the enforcement of immigration laws and the protection of high-profile officials.
As this situation unfolds, observers will be watching closely for the sentencing date, which will determine the full extent of Bustamante-Leiva’s punishment and the timing of his potential deportation. The case highlights critical issues surrounding theft, immigration, and public safety in the nation’s capital.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this developing story.
