Mario Bustamante Leiva, a Chilean migrant, faces serious charges after allegedly stealing Secretary Kristi Noem's Gucci bag and other purse snatchings. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh ruled to hold him without bail due to his extensive criminal record and lack of ties to the community, highlighting his serious flight risk. Bustamante's request for an emergency passport from the Chilean consulate after the crimes raised further concerns, as he has a history of similar offenses both in the US and abroad. His pattern of behavior indicates a significant risk for non-appearance in court.
"When you start adding them up, it seems a little harder for me," the judge said of Bustamante's extensive criminal record—highlighting his serious flight risk.
"The court will order the defendant detained pending trial," he ordered, before turning to Bustamante and explaining the process for further proceedings.
"His request for an emergency passport from the Chilean Consulate raised further concerns," suggesting Bustamante may attempt to flee after the thefts.
Bustamante had a history of non-appearance in court and no real community ties, raising additional safety concerns for his detention.
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