WASHINGTON – A suspect has been detained in connection with the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s handbag last week while she was eating at a Washington, D.C. restaurant, officials said Sunday.
Noem’s purse was apparently stolen on Easter Sunday and contained approximately $3,000 in cash, her keys, driver’s license, passport, and Homeland Security badge. According to the Homeland Security Department, Noem had enough cash in her purse to pay for Easter gifts, dinner, and other family activities.
A suspect was apprehended without incident in Washington following an investigation by the United States Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department, according to Secret Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool.
The police department says the suspect was arrested on Saturday.
Interim District of Columbia. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin informed NBC News that the suspect was in the country illegally.
In a prepared statement, McCool described the suspect as a “serial offender” and denied that Noem was targeted because of her position.
“There is no evidence it was due of it. Martin told NBC News that it was a nice-looking pocketbook.
McCool stated that the inquiry found indications of potential device and credit card fraud.
The Metropolitan Police Department said the man was linked to two other handbag thefts at Washington restaurants earlier this month using video evidence. The suspect was charged with robbery in the other cases.
The Secret Service is investigating the Noem heist and will to disclose its findings in federal court. As of Sunday, there was no evidence that any criminal charges had been brought against the suspect.
The Secret Service sent concerns to the United States Attorney’s Office, which did not respond to emails requesting additional information.
Noem commended law enforcement officials for “finding and arresting the criminal who stole my bag on Easter Sunday while I was eating with my family.”
“This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for many years,” Noem said in a prepared statement. DHS did not immediately respond to an email requesting additional information about the suspect’s immigration status.
Martin informed NBC that another suspect was being sought.