Illegal Immigrant Pleads Guilty in Theft Case Involving Homeland Security Secretary
A man living illegally in the United States has admitted guilt in a case involving the theft of a purse belonging to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem. Mario Bustamante Leiva, a citizen of Chile, entered the guilty plea last week, months after the incident that took place in Washington, D.C.
Leiva, who was 49 years old at the time of the crime, snatched Secretary Noem’s purse from a restaurant back in April. The purse contained around $3,000 in cash, along with important identification documents like her passport and driver’s license, plus credit cards, and other personal items.
Following his arrest, Leiva was charged with wire fraud, identity theft, and robbery. These charges were brought forward by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., alongside the U.S. Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department.
Now facing sentencing, Leiva could receive a prison term ranging from six months to three and a half years. He may also be required to pay fines up to $9,500, return the stolen funds, and make restitution for any damages caused.
Beyond the immediate penalties, Leiva’s illegal status in the U.S. means he will likely face deportation after completing his sentence. This action reflects the nation’s commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that those who violate it, particularly those who are not legal residents, are held accountable.
This isn’t Leiva’s first brush with the law. He has a long criminal record that includes eight prior convictions and seven jail terms in other countries. These crimes range from robbery in Chile to thefts and attempted burglary in the United Kingdom. In one instance, he reportedly stole a large amount of phones, wallets and computers in London.
Court documents show that Leiva has a pattern of targeting diners at restaurants, stealing their purses, and using their stolen credit cards for fraudulent purchases. After stealing Secretary Noem’s purse, he reportedly used her credit cards at another restaurant, spending over $200.
Secretary Noem addressed the incident, saying that Leiva is a “career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years.” She added that President Trump is working to make America safe and remove criminal aliens from our streets, showing her support for the measures to secure our borders.
Leiva’s crimes extended beyond the incident with the DHS Secretary. He is suspected of being part of a larger crime organization.
During his detention hearing, the judge deemed Leiva a flight risk, pointing to his extensive criminal history and his request for an emergency passport from the Chilean consulate. This led to the decision to hold him without bail until his trial.
This case highlights the importance of securing our borders and enforcing immigration laws. When individuals like Leiva are allowed to remain in the country illegally, they can pose a threat to public safety and undermine the rule of law. The justice system must ensure that such individuals are held accountable for their actions and that our communities are protected. This case serves as a reminder of the need for strong borders and a fair, consistent application of our nation’s laws.
