A former senior analyst at the U.S. State Department has admitted to orchestrating a scheme that siphoned more than $650,000 from government funds over a two-year span.
Levita Almuete Ferrer, 64, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, pleaded guilty to theft of government property after exploiting her access to a State Department checking account. While working in the Office of the Chief of Protocol, Ferrer issued 63 checks—60 made payable to herself and three to a person with whom she had a personal relationship—totaling $657,347.50.
Authorities revealed that Ferrer manipulated the department’s financial software to hide the fraud. After printing checks bearing her name, she altered digital records to make it appear the payments were made to legitimate vendors, creating a trail difficult to detect without reviewing the full audit log.
Ferrer is scheduled for sentencing on September 18, 2025, and faces up to 10 years in prison. As part of her plea deal, she has agreed to repay the stolen amount in full and forfeit an equivalent sum.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about internal financial oversight within federal agencies and the importance of stronger safeguards to prevent abuse of authority.