U.S. authorities have apprehended a second suspect in South Florida connected to the theft of a purse belonging to Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary under Donald Trump, according to official sources. The suspect, identified as Christian Montecino Sanzana, 51, was arrested Sunday at a Walgreens in Miami Beach for possessing a stolen or fake driver's license, reported NBC News.
The arrest by Miami Beach Police followed a request from the U.S. Secret Service, which had issued an alert regarding the suspect. Montecino Sanzana was detained without incident and placed in federal custody. Authorities disclosed that he is in the country illegally and faces state charges for possession of false identification.
Federal Prosecutor Ed Martin from the District of Columbia stated that this second suspect is implicated in a pattern of thefts alongside the main accused, identified as Mario E. Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national also residing illegally. Bustamante Leiva was arrested Saturday in Washington, charged with two counts of theft connected to incidents predating the purse snatching.
The Easter Incident at Capital Burger
The theft occurred on Easter Sunday evening at Capital Burger in Washington, D.C., when a masked man entered the restaurant, passed two undercover Secret Service agents, and approached the table where Noem was dining with her family. Surveillance footage captured the suspect sitting near the official, using his foot to subtly drag the purse towards him, before concealing it under his jacket and quickly leaving.
The stolen purse contained $3,000 in cash, an access badge to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Noem’s passport, several credit cards, blank checks, a set of keys, and her driver's license. Authorities emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting the theft was politically motivated. "There’s no indication it was because of her government role. Frankly, it was just a nice purse," Martin commented to NBC News.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The Secret Service retains jurisdiction over the case and is collaborating with the District of Columbia’s Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute those involved. Additionally, investigations are underway into the suspects' potential involvement in fraud activities involving devices and credit cards. "These individuals were not amateurs; they were skilled thieves," Martin asserted, promising to follow all necessary procedures for their prosecution and eventual deportation.
For now, Kristi Noem has refrained from making any public statements regarding the incident, citing the ongoing investigation as the reason for her silence.
FAQs on the Kristi Noem Theft Case
Who are the suspects in the theft case involving Kristi Noem's purse?
The suspects are Christian Montecino Sanzana and Mario E. Bustamante Leiva, both of whom are in the United States illegally.
What items were stolen from Kristi Noem?
The stolen purse contained $3,000 in cash, a DHS access badge, Kristi Noem's passport, credit cards, blank checks, keys, and her driver's license.
Is there any political motivation behind the theft?
Authorities have stated there is no evidence suggesting the theft was politically motivated.
What actions are being taken against the suspects?
The suspects are facing charges for theft and possession of false identification. They are also under investigation for potential involvement in credit card fraud, and deportation proceedings are expected following prosecution.