A suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse, which was stolen last week while she was dining at a Washington, D.C., restaurant, officials said on Sunday.
The incident happened on Easter Sunday. Noem’s purse reportedly contained around $3,000 in cash, along with her keys, driver’s license, passport, and Homeland Security badge. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the cash was intended to cover gifts, meals, and other activities for her family during the Easter holiday.
Suspect Arrested Without Incident
The suspect was taken into custody Saturday in Washington after an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department, according to Secret Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool.
Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin told NBC News that the suspect is in the country illegally.
In a statement, McCool described the suspect as a “serial offender” and said there was no evidence that Noem was targeted because of her government position.
“There is no indication it was because of that. Frankly, it was a nice-looking purse,” Martin added.
Possible Additional Crimes
Investigators found evidence that the suspect may also have been involved in device and credit card fraud, McCool said.
The Metropolitan Police Department stated that video evidence linked the suspect to two other purse thefts at restaurants in Washington earlier this month. The suspect has been charged with robbery in connection with those previous incidents.
Investigation Continues
The Secret Service is continuing to investigate the theft involving Noem’s purse and plans to present its findings in federal court. As of Sunday, no criminal charges related to Noem’s case had yet been filed against the suspect.
The Secret Service referred any further questions to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which has not yet responded to requests for more information.
Martin also said that authorities are searching for a second suspect connected to the case.
Noem Thanks Law Enforcement
In a statement, Secretary Noem thanked the Secret Service, Metropolitan Police, and other agencies involved in the investigation.
“This individual is a career criminal who has been in our country illegally for years,” Noem said. DHS did not immediately provide additional information regarding the suspect’s immigration status.