A former budget analyst with the U.S. State Department has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $650,000 from the agency, according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C.

Levita Almuete Ferrer, 64, misused her position as a senior budget analyst in the Office of the Chief of Protocol. Ferrer, a Maryland resident, held this role from March 2022 until April 2024. During this period, she took advantage of her signature authority over a State Department checking account to fraudulently write 60 checks to herself and three to an individual she knew personally. Ferrer printed and signed all 63 checks before depositing them into her personal bank accounts, amounting to a total of $657,347.50.

In an effort to conceal her actions, Ferrer used QuickBooks to manipulate the accounting system. She initially entered her name as the payee in QuickBooks, allowing her to print the checks. Afterward, Ferrer altered the payee information, changing it from her name to that of a legitimate State Department vendor, making it more difficult for anyone reviewing the records to identify her as the actual recipient of the funds.

Ferrer was charged with theft of government property and pleaded guilty to the crime. She faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 18. As part of her plea agreement, Ferrer has agreed to fully repay the stolen amount as restitution to the U.S. government. Additionally, she is subject to a forfeiture money judgment for the same amount, which will further hold her accountable for her actions.

This case highlights the vulnerability of governmental institutions to financial misconduct, particularly when individuals in positions of trust exploit their authority for personal gain. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for such crimes accountable, particularly when they involve the misappropriation of public funds.

In a separate incident involving the State Department, a bodyguard from Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s security detail was arrested after causing a disturbance at a hotel in Brussels. The agent reportedly acted erratically and became physically confrontational with hotel staff and local police when they refused to reopen the hotel bar after hours. Despite the tension, the situation was resolved when the U.S. Embassy intervened, and the agent was released later the same day.

The incident underscores the pressures faced by members of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), who are tasked with securing U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities worldwide. Sources close to the matter have pointed to the excessive workload of shift supervisors, many of whom work long hours under high stress, which may have contributed to the bodyguard’s erratic behavior.

The DSS is responsible for investigating a range of security-related offenses, including passport and visa fraud, and safeguarding U.S. diplomats and missions abroad. The agency is currently examining the incident, though officials have declined to comment on specific personnel matters.

Both incidents reflect broader issues within the U.S. government concerning employee conduct and accountability. While the Ferrer case involves financial misconduct, the bodyguard’s arrest highlights the challenges faced by those in high-stress security roles, particularly as they manage complex international responsibilities.

The Ferrer embezzlement case, in particular, raises important questions about internal controls and oversight within government agencies. Despite the large-scale fraud, Ferrer’s ability to manipulate the system for so long indicates potential weaknesses in the State Department’s financial monitoring procedures. In light of this, there may be increased scrutiny on how agencies handle funds, with potential reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In both cases, the resolution of the issues will likely prompt further conversations on improving accountability, ensuring transparency, and providing proper support for employees working in high-stakes government roles. As Ferrer prepares for sentencing in the fall, her case serves as a cautionary tale of the risks associated with unchecked power and the serious consequences of violating the public trust.