Former State Department Analyst Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $650,000 in Public Funds
Levita Almuete Ferrer, a 64-year-old former budget analyst for the U.S. Department of State under the Biden administration, has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $650,000 in federal funds over a two-year period. The case, which has raised serious concerns about internal financial controls in government agencies, underscores the potential risks posed by insider access to public accounts.
According to court documents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ferrer—who also went by the name Levita Brezovic—carried out the fraudulent scheme between March 2022 and April 2024 while employed in a role that gave her access to and authority over financial disbursements. Over the course of those two years, Ferrer used her position to issue and deposit 63 unauthorized checks—60 of which she wrote to herself, and three made payable to an acquaintance.
In total, the fraudulent checks amounted to $657,347.50.
To cover her tracks, Ferrer manipulated internal accounting records in QuickBooks. After printing each check, she would alter the digital records, replacing her name with the names of legitimate vendors that regularly did business with the State Department. This falsification allowed the checks to appear, on the surface, as legitimate agency expenses, thereby avoiding detection for an extended period.
Ferrer ultimately admitted guilt to one count of theft of government property, a federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. In addition to potential incarceration, she has agreed to a financial forfeiture judgment as part of her plea deal and will be required to repay the stolen funds in full. Sentencing has been scheduled for September 18, 2025.
Prosecutors emphasized the serious breach of public trust involved in the case, noting that Ferrer’s deliberate and prolonged deception not only defrauded the federal government but also diverted taxpayer money intended for legitimate public use.
“This case serves as a stark reminder that even experienced employees in trusted positions can exploit weaknesses in oversight systems,” said officials familiar with the investigation. “Government agencies must remain vigilant and continue to strengthen internal controls to prevent this type of fraud.”
The State Department has not publicly commented in detail on the incident but confirmed that Ferrer is no longer employed by the agency. An internal audit has reportedly been initiated to determine how the fraud went undetected for such a lengthy period and to recommend improvements to safeguard future financial transactions.
As federal prosecutors move forward with sentencing, the case stands as one of the more significant recent examples of internal financial fraud within the U.S. government. It highlights ongoing challenges in preventing, detecting, and prosecuting white-collar crime in public institutions.