Former Biden-Era State Dept. Analyst Admits to $650K Fraud Scheme

A former senior budget analyst at the U.S. State Department under President Biden has pleaded guilty to embezzling over $650,000, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C.

Levita Almuete Ferrer, 64, from Maryland, held a key financial role in the department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol. From March 2022 to April 2024, she exploited her authority to issue 63 fraudulent checks—60 made out to herself and three to someone with whom she had a personal relationship. The total amount stolen was $657,347.50.

Ferrer used QuickBooks software to disguise the thefts. After printing the checks with her name as the payee, she would later alter the records to make it appear as though the money went to legitimate vendors, thereby avoiding detection during routine audits.

She pleaded guilty to charges of theft of government property and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 18. Ferrer could face up to 10 years in prison and has agreed to repay the stolen amount as part of her plea deal, which also includes a forfeiture judgment.

Unrelated Incident Involving Diplomatic Security Agent

Separately, a U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agent assigned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s security team was arrested in Brussels in March 2025. The agent reportedly became aggressive at the Hotel Amigo after staff refused to reopen the bar, and later scuffled with police. He was released the same day following intervention from the U.S. Embassy.

The incident has raised concerns about heavy workloads among DSS supervisors, with some sources attributing the agent’s behavior to overwhelming job stress. The State Department has confirmed the incident is under review.