Lauren Carter
Special Agent
Philadelphia Field Office
I’ve been an FBI special agent for almost 13 years. Prior to being an agent, I was a forensic interviewer for a Children’s Advocacy Center and worked crimes against children. I have spent my entire FBI career working in the Philadelphia Division, where I have had the privilege to work public corruption, health care fraud, and counterterrorism. I am also the Philadelphia SWAT tactical operations center team leader and both an Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training and a firearms instructor.
What drew you to the FBI?
When I was four years old, my mom and I were victims in an armed bank robbery. As a result of that experience, I always wanted to work in law enforcement, and being an FBI agent was my dream job.
Describe your most memorable case or investigative success.
My most memorable case was United States versus Jeffrey Bado. Bado was a physician who faced a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence after a federal jury found him responsible for the death of one of his drug-addicted patients. Bado was once ranked fifth in the nation for the number of opioids he prescribed.
This case was memorable because of the impact the verdict had on the victims and the community and because it was the result of the work of an incredible investigative team that was dedicated to holding this physician accountable.
What is the best career or life advice you have to give?
You will face adversity, but no matter what persevere. The ultimate test of your success is not whether you’re proud of what you’ve achieved, but whether you’re proud of who you have become.
Share the thing you’re most proud of from your FBI career.
I am most proud of becoming an FBI firearms instructor. Shooting was not a natural skill for me. I struggled while attending new agent training at Quantico, but I was determined to improve my skills.
What does it mean to make room at the table? Why does it matter?
Making room at the table means valuing each person’s success and well-being as much as your own. Getting ahead should not force you to leave people behind. No accomplishment—no matter how great—is worth sacrificing kindness or integrity.
