The then-Homeland Security Secretary was dining at a restaurant with her family, under the protection of Secret Service agents, when her Gucci handbag was stolen.

The man, Chilean national Mario Bustamante Leiva, "came to Washington illegally to prey on citizens of the District," said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said.

The former US Secretary of Homeland Security had her handbag - with $3,000 (£2,260) in cash inside - stolen at a restaurant last year.