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49-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Stealing Gov. Kristi Noem’s Handbag; Plea Likely to Trigger Deportation

Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft after a string of restaurant thefts in Washington, D.C., including the seizure of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s handbag on Easter. The bag reportedly contained about $3,000 in cash and several personal documents and items. He acknowledged in court filings that he is removable from the United States, making deportation likely after sentencing. The charges carry significant prison terms and fines, and authorities report prior convictions abroad.

10:20 AM, 11/25/2025Security
49-Year-Old Pleads Guilty to Stealing Gov. Kristi Noem’s Handbag; Plea Likely to Trigger Deportation

Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a series of restaurant thefts in Washington, D.C., including the theft of a handbag belonging to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Court records show the incidents occurred between April 12 and April 20; the governor’s bag was taken while she was dining with family on Easter.

Federal filings say the handbag contained roughly $3,000 in cash along with personal documents and items, including a passport, driver’s license, medication, blank checks, a makeup bag, apartment keys, a DHS badge and a Louis Vuitton wallet. Investigators allege Bustamante-Leiva then used victims’ credit cards to make fraudulent purchases after several of the thefts.

Charges, Plea and Potential Penalties

On Friday, Bustamante-Leiva agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft. In court filings he acknowledged that he is "removable from the United States upon the completion of the sentence imposed in this case," a statement that makes deportation likely once any sentence is served.

The wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000; first-degree theft carries up to 10 years and fines up to $25,000. Sentencing guidelines also reference a recommended fine (up to $9,500), potential forfeitures (up to $3,174) and additional restitution to be set by the judge.

Arrest and Background

Bustamante-Leiva, a Chilean national, was arrested on April 26 by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. Federal authorities reported he has eight prior convictions overseas and has served seven separate jail terms in Chile and the United Kingdom.

Investigators say the suspect targeted restaurant patrons, taking purses from the backs of chairs before fleeing. Security footage from the incident shows a person wearing an N95 mask, dark pants and a baseball cap leaving the restaurant with the bag. Court proceedings will determine the final sentence and any restitution owed to victims.

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