“This individual is a career criminal who has been illegally in our country for years,” Noem said.
The suspect was arrested in connection with theft of Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem’s wallet while eating on Easter Sunday, and officials say he is illegally in the country.
Noem lost $3,000 in his keys, driver’s license, passport and homeland security badge a week ago, on April 20th.
“This individual is a career criminal who has been illegally in our country for years,” Noem told NTD via email. “Unfortunately, so many families in this country have been victims of crime. That’s why President Trump works to keep America safe every day and drive these criminals out of our streets.”
Matt McCool, a special agent at the Secret Service Washington Field Office, said the Secret Service investigation and that the Metropolitan Police Department became the suspect in custody on April 26th in Washington. Fees have not been submitted yet.
The name of the suspect who allegedly stole Gnome’s wallet has not been revealed yet. McCool called the suspect a “serial criminal.” It is possible that the “serial criminal” had no knowledge of Noem’s position at the time of the crime.
“I shared a meal with my family at a restaurant in Washington, DC, and I would like to thank the Secret Service and Ice and our law enforcement partners for finding and arresting criminals who stole my bag on Easter Sunday,” Noem added in the statement.
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According to Homeland Security, Noem’s wallet cash was intended to pay for Easter gifts, dinners and other activities for her children and grandchildren.
McCool added that there is also evidence of potential device and credit card fraud.
The Metropolitan Police Department obtained video evidence showing that the suspect is likely related to two other wallet stolen cases at a Washington restaurant during April, and the suspect was charged with theft of them.
Once the Secret Service completes its investigation into Noem’s wallet theft, it will present its findings to federal court.
The office of U.S. attorney Ed Martin did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
