MIAMI BEACH — A second suspect connected to the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse in Washington, D.C., has been arrested, authorities confirmed Monday.
Cristian Rodrigo Montecino-Sanzana, 51, was apprehended Sunday afternoon after being spotted entering a Walgreens at Collins Avenue and 14th Street in Miami Beach. The U.S. Secret Service led the operation with support from Miami Beach Police, having tracked Montecino-Sanzana to South Florida.
During his bond court hearing on Monday, Florida Judge Mindy Glazer charged Montecino-Sanzana with possession of a stolen or fictitious driver’s license. At the time of his arrest, police said he was carrying a fraudulent California ID card, which he later admitted was not his.
When questioned about his residence, Montecino-Sanzana stated, “I was living here in Miami.” Court documents list him as homeless.
U.S. Attorney Edward Martin confirmed that another Chilean national, Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, also faces federal charges in connection to the Easter Sunday theft. Both men are being held on immigration detainers and could face deportation after serving their sentences.
According to sources, Secretary Noem’s stolen purse contained government credentials and other sensitive materials, raising national security concerns at the time of the theft.
