A Levelland resident pleaded guilty to embezzlement and bank fraud this past Friday, and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.
Lori Ann Vega-Bermea, 50, was arrested by the Levelland Police Department in December 2025, with federal charges subsequently filed in April 2026.
She was tried in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division for one count of bank fraud and one count of unauthorized transactions with an access device after embezzling money from Levelland oil and gas company, R.E. Bullin Operating, while working as an office manager.
According to court documents, as office manager, Vega-Bermea was given access to the company’s bank account and debit cards. She used company funds for personal expenses, including rent and utilities. She also wrote checks to her husband and children and spent company money at casinos and resorts in other states.
In total, she spent approximately $380,373.13 of the companies money. When confronted by company officials, Vega-Bermea admitted to the crime.
In addition to jail time, Vega-Bermea is required to pay restitution in the amount of $711,752.62.