Maria Llompart
Supervisory Special Agent
Miami Field Office
Originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, I entered the FBI in 1995 and was assigned to the Miami Division. I then worked in Detroit and the Palm Beach County Resident Agency. In my time at those three offices, I’ve had the opportunity to work in or supervise almost every program in the FBI’s portfolio.
I’ve served as a case agent in public corruption, drug, violent crime, crimes against children, and counterterrorism squads. As a member of Miami’s Evidence Response Team, I had the opportunity to participate in multiple deployments throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. I also had the honor to deploy and work alongside our military in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. I also deployed overseas as the on-scene commander on a high-profile investigation. Since 2014, I’ve served in a supervisory role at the Palm Beach County Resident Agency.
Describe your most memorable case or investigative success.
In 27 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of fronts, but none compares to my work as a case agent in the Violent Crimes Against Children program. I spent more years working this violation than any other, and it is, by far, the most challenging yet most rewarding. Protecting the most vulnerable and interacting with victims to provide them with the justice they deserve is a humbling and meaningful experience.
Share the thing you’re most proud of from your FBI career.
I am still as proud and in awe of being part of this organization as I was on the day I received my credentials and badge from Director Louis Freeh. I am proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in my career. But most importantly I am proud of the people I work with. I’ve been able to see the new agents and supervisors that Icve had the chance to mentor grow and mature in their roles. They are the future, and I am proud to have been part of it—even if in a small way.
What is the best career or life advice you’ve been given?
I’ve been fortunate to have had women in the FBI who provided me with challenges, guidance, and mentorship at different stages of my career. The first such person was my principal firearms instructor at Quantico, Supervisory Special Agent Mary Ann Krauss, whose motto was: attitude.
Looking back, it is such a simple word that means so much and impacts all aspects of life and career. Attitude is how you carry yourself, attitude is how you tackle a case, attitude is how you deal with adversity, attitude is how you treat others. Attitude determines your path. Still to this day, I think of that simple motto. My attitude is to walk with confidence and not let anyone or any situation intimidate me, to be determined and focused on the mission, to always do my best, to be humble—and never forget to laugh.