A man has admitted guilt in connection with a series of thefts in Washington, D.C., including the brazen stealing of a handbag belonging to a high-profile government official. Mario Bustamante-Leiva, 49, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, a decision that all but guarantees his removal from the United States.
The thefts occurred over a concentrated period in April, targeting individuals at restaurants. Bustamante-Leiva allegedly snatched purses from unsuspecting diners, swiftly disappearing with their belongings.
One particularly striking incident involved the theft from the Secretary of Homeland Security while she dined with her family on Easter Sunday. The stolen bag contained a significant amount of cash – $3,000 – alongside personal identification, essential medications, and even official credentials.
Following each theft, authorities allege Bustamante-Leiva immediately exploited the stolen credit cards, making unauthorized purchases. This pattern of behavior contributed to the severity of the charges against him.
The guilty plea encompasses charges of wire fraud, aiding and abetting, and first-degree theft. Court documents confirm Bustamante-Leiva acknowledges he will be subject to deportation after completing his sentence.
He now faces a potentially lengthy prison term, with the possibility of up to 20 years for the wire fraud charges and another 10 years for the theft. Substantial fines, potentially totaling over $250,000, are also on the table.
Investigators revealed that this wasn’t Bustamante-Leiva’s first encounter with the law. He has a documented history of prior convictions, including eight convictions abroad and seven separate jail terms served in both Chile and the United Kingdom.
The arrest came on April 26th, a joint effort between the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. Surveillance footage played a crucial role, showing a man wearing a mask and cap making off with the Secretary’s bag from a restaurant floor.
The stolen bag wasn’t merely a fashion accessory; it held vital personal items, including a passport, driver’s license, and necessary medication. It also contained a Department of Homeland Security badge and blank checks, raising security concerns.
Bustamante-Leiva’s method was calculated and swift. He targeted victims seated at restaurants, silently removing purses from the backs of chairs before quickly exiting the premises.
