Federal Judge Orders Pretrial Detention for Man Facing Robbery Charges in Kristi Noem Purse Case

Federal Judge Orders Pretrial Detention For Man Facing Robbery Charges In Kristi Noem Purse Case

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem enjoying dinner, when suddenly—bam! Her purse gets swiped right under Secret Service’s nose. The culprit? Mario Bustamante Leiva, a 49-year-old Chilean national with a knack for bad decisions.

Now, here’s the kicker. A federal magistrate judge in D.C. didn’t just say “bad move”—he ordered Leiva’s pretrial detention. No bail, no second chances.

The guy faces charges for robbery, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors say he’s a flight risk, given his shaky ties to the area and history of dodging court dates. Plus, ICE has slapped an immigration detainer on him. Yep, it’s getting real.

Leiva isn’t taking it lying down. He pleaded not guilty. But in the meantime, the judge wants him locked up tight. According to AP News, this theft happened on April 20, 2025, making it a fresh drama still unfolding.

So what’s next? Stay tuned. But for now, Leiva’s purse-snatching stunt landed him in hot water. And honestly, if you’re stealing from Kristi Noem under Secret Service watch, you’re not exactly playing the game smart.