The United States Secret Service's second highest ranking official has resigned.

Secret Service Deputy Director Alvin "A.T." Smith is leaving his post, as he assumes another position within the Department of Homeland Security.

Smith's resignation is the latest top level departure this year, amid controversial security lapses, that tainted the agency's capacity to protect the highest office in America.

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Smith was appointed Deputy Director in April 2012.  He was responsible for the daily operations, including managing the agency's 6,500 employees.

"Deputy Director Smith has had an exceptional law enforcement career spanning nearly 29 years within the United States Secret Service. His contributions to the agency have been invaluable," said Secret Service Acting Director Joseph P. Clancy. 

Smith will assume a post at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations unit.  His job description has not been revealed.

Last month, five senior officials departed the agency - four were forced out, one opted to retire.

The departures was seen as a house-cleaning within the top management. Cleaning of the ranks already claimed the job of Director Julia Pierson.

Some members of Congress, including Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz, claimed Smith was responsible for the agency's bad decisions that led to recent high-profile lapses.

Recent scandals include the entry of a knife-carrying man into the White House in September, branded as one of the worst security breaches since President Barack Obama assumed office in 2009.

Last month, an aerial drone had also crashed into the White House grounds in the middle of the night.

TagsSecret Service, Smith