ICE Barbie Kristi Noem's purse snatcher used her credit card to spend just $15 at an unusual location
Prosecutors are building their case against those accused of stealing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's bag and using her credit card.
As Noem dined with her family on Easter Sunday, the alleged theives made off with her purse, including her passport, DHS ID, wallet and $3,000 in cash which was to be gifts for her grandchildren.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host, signed an indictment Thursday naming Mario Bustamante Leiva and Cristian Montecino-Sananza.
The document includes findings from federal prosecutors and demands the forfeiture of the stolen goods or anything derived from their sale.
Bustamante Leiva is alleged to have robbed Noem at The Capital Burger in Washington, D.C. before going to Angolo Ristorante Italiano, a local Italian restaurant, and racking up a bill. Pirro is now demanding he pay up.
According to the U.S. Attorney's indictment he spent $15.40.
However, a Department of Justice file on the case alleges he racked up a bill just over $200.
Images of the illegal immigrant in that file show him with Noem's Gucci bag at the bar. Dubbed the 'ICE Barbie' for her many law enforcement-related looks, Noem has a taste for designer.
Though the secretary has a full Secret Service security detail, no one saw Bustamante Leiva, who was wearing a mask at the time, drag the secretary's bag away from her with his foot before picking it up and walking out, according to the DOJ.
Bustamante Leiva, 49, admitted to authorities after his arrest that he is homeless and an alcoholic.
According to the DOJ he 'made a total of five purchases using [Noem's] American Express credit cards in the amount of $205.87,' at Angolo Ristorante Italiano.
They allege that after a night out drinking he fell asleep on some patio furniture close to the Georgetown bar until the following morning.
Pirro is accusing the pair of multiple counts of wire fraud, aiding and abetting, aggravated identity theft and robbery.
The indictment also alleges the accused have a habit of snatching purses and later spending the money found in them.
In another theft days before stealing Noem's bag, the criminal pair stole a purse, bought a $500 Visa gift card, purchased several nights at multiple hotels, trips on the D.C. metro and more, the legal document alleges.
In total there are nine counts cited in the indictment in addition to two forfeiture allegations.
Pirro, a longtime host of the Fox News show 'The Five,' was sworn in as interim U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., this week after Trump pulled his nomination for Ed Martin after the Senate expressed reluctance to confirm him.
'I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia,' Trump wrote on social media announcing the nomination last week.
The indictment filed Thursday is one of Pirro's first official actions in the new role.
She will oversee all federal crimes in the nation's capital.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
23 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Chicago police officer 'accidentally' kills his partner while chasing suspect down hallway
A Chicago police officer was unintentionally shot and killed by her partner after they chased a suspect into an apartment building and encountered another person with a rifle. Officer Krystal Rivera, 36, a four-year veteran of the department, was gunned down just before 10pm on Thursday as she and fellow tactical officers from the Gresham District chased a suspect, believed to be armed, into a residential building. The foot pursuit took cops through a narrow hallway in a South Side apartment when in the chaos, Rivera's fellow officer fired, striking her in the back, mortally wounding her. Her partner, who has not been identified, was the only person who fired a weapon, and the 'gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera,' city police said in a statement. Rivera died at a hospital late on Thursday night, less than an hour after being shot. She is survived by her 10-year-old daughter, Bella Medina. Colleagues brought Rivera to University of Chicago Medical Center in a squad car that crashed and caught fire because of a malfunction, according to Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. She was then transported in another squad car. Snelling called Rivera 'a hero' and 'a vibrant, young officer trying to keep the streets safe.' 'She had already taken two guns off the street earlier that same day,' Snelling said. 'She came to work to protect this city, and she paid the ultimate price.' Snelling confirmed that the officer who discharged the fatal round is not under criminal investigation, but is 'in a very, very tough place.' The trauma, he said, is 'unimaginable.' The officer who fired the shot has not been named, but sources confirmed he is a veteran of the force and is receiving departmental support while the investigation continues. 'We're always reviewing our practices,' Snelling said. 'But it's too early to say if this tragic incident will lead to policy changes.' 'Rivera represented everything we want our police officers to be,' said the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation in a statement. 'Smart, assertive, tough, compassionate and professional.' has approached Chicago Police Department for comment. The city's law enforcement community is still trying to process the loss. 'The entire city of Chicago is grieving and mourning together,' said Mayor Brandon Johnson. 'Officer Rivera served honorably and courageously. Her young, energetic, and bold approach toward keeping us safe is the memory we will honor.' Three firearms were recovered at the scene. Several individuals were detained. One suspect from the scene, Adrian Rucker, 25, remains in custody, though police have not said what charges he could face. The case is under internal investigation, and no criminal charges have been filed related to the shooting itself. Rivera's mother, Yolanda Rivera, told the Chicago Sun-Times that her daughter had long dreamed of being a police officer since she was young. She remembers her daughter calling herself 'Wonder Woman' and setting her sights on the badge as a little girl. She wasn't a straight shot into the academy and actually failed a section of the test at first, but she didn't give up. 'I told her just weeks ago to get a desk job,' Yolanda recalled. 'She kept saying, "Mom, I'm gonna be OK."' Rivera earned a reputation within the Gresham District as a tough but compassionate cop. 'For me, it's a privilege,' Rivera told the Sun-Times when she graduated from the academy in 2021. 'I come from a family of serving. To help people in need, that's my calling.' For Rivera's family, no policy or reform will fill the void she's left behind, particularly her young daughter. Her 11th birthday party was just days away and her mother had been helping plan every detail. That morning, Bella said her mother hugged her a little longer than usual. 'When she said bye, it's like she had a feeling,' Bella said. 'She gave me the biggest hug, biggest kiss and she said, "If anything happens, I'm always right here," in my heart.' It was the last time Bella would ever see her mother alive. 'She never got to wear those boots she was so excited about,' Bella said. 'She found them at Ross. She loved fashion and her job.' On rainy days the pair would movies and colored together. Rivera, a single mother, loved action flicks and Jim Carrey comedies. She dreamed of one day living on a farm in neighboring Wisconsin. 'I want to go home with her,' Bella said. 'I don't want my whole life to change.' The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has pledged to provide financial and emotional support to Rivera's family. Police say Rivera's death marks the eighth on-duty CPD shooting death since 2018.
BBC News
39 minutes ago
- BBC News
Trump orders fresh troop deployment to LA as unrest continues into fourth day
Update: Date: 07:08 BST Title: The war of words between Trump and Newsom Content: Throughout the day, President Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom have been exchanging jabs through their social media accounts. Here's a breakdown of the things they've said to and about each other: Trump calls Newsom 'incompetent' In a post to his Truth Social account, Trump says LA would be "obliterated" without him. "The very incompetent 'Governor,' Gavin Newscum, and 'Mayor,' Karen Bass, should be saying, 'THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP, YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL. WE WOULD BE NOTHING WITHOUT YOU, SIR.'" Newsom hits back after Trump calls for his arrest Trump told reporters he thought it would be 'great' if Newsom was arrested. Newsom responded on social media, calling it an 'unmistakable step toward authoritarianism'. Earlier, when Trump border czar Tom Homan threatened the same thing, Newsom didn't mince his words: 'Arrest me,' he said. 'Let's get it over, tough guy.' 'If they spit, we will hit' Trump accused Newsom of inspiring the riots and spitting in the faces of the National Guard. "I promise you they will be hit harder than they have ever been hit before," he said in a Truth Social post. Newsom says Trump is acting like a dictator In a post on X, Newsom says Trump's activation of Marines in LA is a "deranged fantasy". He continued by saying Trump is a "dictatorial president. This is un-American." Newsom tells Trump to 'grow up' Newsom used the words to caption an interview clip in which he said Trump should, "Arrest me. Get it over with". On Saturday, Trump's border tsar, Tom Homan, threatened to arrest individuals who obstruct the immigration enforcement effort. Update: Date: 06:58 BST Title: Governor Newsom threatens to sue over deployment of Marines Content: California Governor Gavin Newsom has said he "will sue" over the deployment of US Marines to LA. Newsom and California's Attorney General Rob Bonta have already sued the Trump administration for deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles without Newsom's authorisation. Newsom wrote on social media earlier, urging people to "WAKE UP!" "US Marines serve a valuable purpose for this country – defending democracy. They are not political pawns. "The Secretary of Defense is illegally deploying them onto American streets so Trump can have a talking point at his parade this weekend. It's a blatant abuse of power. We will sue to stop this," Newsom wrote. Update: Date: 06:41 BST Title: Unrest across LA continues as Trump activates fresh round of troops Content: Barbara TaschLive reporter The situation is continuing to be tense in California as demonstrations continue into a fourth day. US President Donald Trump is deploying another 2,000 National Guard troops and is activating 700 Marines in the Los Angeles area to help the federal response to protests against immigration raids, the Pentagon confirms. Demonstrations began outside in downtown LA on Friday after it emerged Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were carrying out raids across the city. Police moved in on protesters on Monday, firing rubber bullets at crowds, which were seen dispersing through LA streets. It is highly unusual for US military troops to be involved in domestic law enforcement - and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has taken the Trump administration to court for deploying National Guard troops without his authorisation, is now threatening to do the same over the deployment of US Marines. Protests against immigration raids and mass deportations have also started in other cities across the US - with marches in Tampa, Florida, Boston, Massachusetts and Houston, Texas. It's now approaching 23:00 in Los Angeles and our team in California is continuing to report on the situation on the ground. Stay with us as we bring you the latest news and analysis.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
LA protests: See police using 'less lethal' weapons.
Police departments across the country are increasingly adopting less-than-lethal weapons in the wake of police shootings in which unarmed citizens were killed, according to a January 2025 report by the Congressional Research Service. Some examples include: Batons or nightsticks Pepper spray Tear gas Tasers Flash-bang grenades Rubber bullets Beanbag rounds Sponge Grenades Here's a look at key events over the last few days and various munitions being used by law enforcement: Friday, June 6 Homeland Security agents detained several people outside a Home Depot west of downtown L.A., and later at a clothing store in the Fashion District. People gathered to photograph and video the officers, and a few protesters also arrived. Four search warrants were executed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a spokesperson for Homeland Security told the Los Angeles Times. At least 44 people were arrested. By around 6:30 p.m. local time more than 100 people gathered at the immigration services building and detention center in downtown Los Angeles to protest the raids, according to Reuters. At around 7 p.m. local time, the Los Angeles Police Department declared it an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowd to disperse. Some protesters threw pieces of broken concrete at the officers, who responded by firing tear gas and pepper spray. They also used flash-bang concussion rounds to disperse the crowd. Pepper spray is a lachrymatory agent, which means it stimulates the eyes to produce tears. The main active ingredient is an oil known as oleoresin capsicum, the same agent that provides "heat" in chili peppers, according to Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician in New York City. It is typically dispersed as an aerosol or as small particles in a liquid spray, according to the National Capital Poison Center. Pepper sprays and mists can travel 8 to 12 feet, according to Sabre, a popular brand of pepper spray. Gel sprays can travel 20% farther. Saturday, June 7 The next day, larger protests began in the town of Paramount, south of Los Angeles, linked to rumors of a possible immigration raid. According to Los Angeles Times reporters who were on the scene, each time protesters threw anything at the agents or the police, tear gas and flash-bang rounds were fired back by federal agents. Law enforcement could also be seen firing pepper-spray balls in videos. With a range of up to 30 feet, pepper-spray balls are made of plastic that breaks on impact to release a chemical irritant intended to stun or incapacitate somebody. Sometimes, they contain marking paint for identifying a suspect or a particular area. Pepper-spray balls are typically the same caliber as recreational paintballs. They are typically deployed with paintball-style guns powered by compressed air. According to Homeland Security, on Saturday night, rioters surrounded the immigration services building and detention center, "assaulted ICE law enforcement officers, slashed tires, defaced buildings, and taxpayer-funded property. " In response, Trump signed a presidential memorandum deploying "at least" 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Sunday, June 9 Early Sunday, dozens of National Guard troops arrived at the Metropolitan Detention Center three blocks from Los Angeles City Hall. By 10:30 a.m., as many as 300 members of the California National Guard had been deployed in three separate parts of the city. Crowds of protesters began arriving in the area around the federal complex around noon. Protests were not widespread, and most of the city was quiet. The situation escalated as the afternoon wore on. Many protesters waved Mexican flags or hybrid Mexican-American flags and chanted anti-ICE slogans. Some were also seen throwing water bottles and other objects at officers and law enforcement vehicles. Videos shared on social media and footage from local television stations showed officers in riot gear, with the sound of flash-bangs in the background. Lauren Tomasi, a U.S. national correspondent for Australia's 9News, was sore but unharmed after being shot in the leg by a Los Angeles officer. The incident was captured on video. At least five Waymo self-driving taxis were vandalized by protesters who spray-painted them with anti-Trump and anti-ICE slogans. At least two were set on fire. At one point, a crowd of protesters walked onto the 101 Freeway, blocking traffic in both directions. They were confronted by officers in riot gear, and by 5 p.m. local time the freeway was cleared. LAPD said on X that it had placed officers across the city on "tactical alert." The police department later declared an "unlawful assembly" for the Civic Center area and the historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles, an area covering a small portion of the sprawling city of 500 square miles. It had authorized the "use of less lethal munitions." Videos and photos at the scene showed police firing sponge grenades and other less lethal projectiles. Sponge grenades, or sponge rounds, are designed to stop violent aggressors without killing them and for crowd control. These projectiles are designed to cause blunt trauma and pain that temporarily disables the person. They are supposed to be fired at the legs or lower torso, and police are trained to avoid the head, neck and groin. Firing the projectiles from a distance decreases their force and accuracy and increases the risk of shooting people in the face or hitting bystanders. Firing too closely increases the risk of serious injury. At 8 p.m., authorities moved in aggressively with flash-bangs and tear gas grenades, sending hundreds of people running, their eyes streaming with tears. Helicopters clattered overhead as protesters fled the area to the honking of car horns and periodic cheers. Other video shot in the Compton area later that evening also shows flashbangs being deployed. Documents describing L.A.P.D.'s use of force tactics also list the beanbag shotgun. A bean bag round is a small fabric sack filled with No. 9 lead shot and fired by a shotgun. It is designed to expand in flight and cause trauma to the body, including muscle spasms, without penetrating the skin. These rounds are intended to be fired at large muscle groups on a dangerous person. The head and neck areas should be avoided to prevent killing them. Other munitions such as rubber or plastic bullets, also known as kinetic impact projectiles, have been used by law enforcement to control crowds. A 2017 study by the medical journal BMJ Open using injury data collected over 27 years found that of 1,984 people injured by rubber and plastic bullets and other projectiles in arrests and protests, "53 died as a result of their injuries and 300 others suffered permanent disability." Deaths and permanent disability were often caused by "strikes to the head and neck," the study said. Contributing: Elizabeth Weise, Trevor Hughes, John Bacon, N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Michael Loria, Tom Vanden Brook Davis Winkie, USA TODAY Read more: Live updates: 700 Marines being sent to LA for riot assistance in response to protests Timeline: LA protests went from small to substantial over three days. Here's what unfolded 'Less lethal' can still maim and kill: A visual guide to weapons police use on protesters
