In a series of troubling revelations, the leadership of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) has come under intense scrutiny for alleged financial improprieties. The incidents involve Domingo Albarran Jr., a former LAFD captain and union treasurer, who is accused of manipulating vehicle sale documents to avoid taxes, and Adam Walker, a former UFLAC secretary, facing allegations of misusing charity funds.

Uncovering Corruption: A Closer Look at Union Leadership Practices

Alleged Undervaluation of Union Vehicle Sale

Domingo Albarran Jr.'s handling of a union-owned Chevrolet Malibu has sparked significant controversy. According to sources with direct knowledge of the transactions, Albarran reported purchasing the 2017 Malibu from the union for a mere $500 in December 2022. However, insiders claim that he actually paid $4,000 for the vehicle. This discrepancy was further exacerbated by Albarran's reporting of inflated mileage to obtain a lower Kelley Blue Book estimate, significantly undervaluing the car's worth.The incoming UFLAC treasurer uncovered these inconsistencies and demanded the return of the vehicle. Albarran eventually complied, returning the car and receiving a refund of his payment. Despite this resolution, questions remain about the transparency and integrity of the transaction. Albarran defended his actions, stating that the car required extensive repairs and was not worth more than what he paid. Yet, evidence suggests that the vehicle's true value was considerably higher, raising doubts about the legitimacy of his claims.

Internal Investigation into Charity Fund Misuse

Simultaneously, another high-profile case has emerged involving Adam Walker, a former UFLAC secretary. Walker faces allegations of financial misconduct related to the union’s charity for injured firefighters and their families. The International Assn. of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has suspended Walker from his union leadership role, accusing him of improperly depositing approximately $75,000 of the charity’s funds into his personal accounts over a 13-month period.Walker vehemently denies these allegations, asserting that the deposits were reimbursements for legitimate out-of-pocket expenses incurred during two golf tournaments aimed at raising money for a disabled former firefighter. He maintains that the account used for these transactions was set up specifically for the tournaments and not for the charity, the UFLAC Fire Foundation. Nonetheless, the IAFF's investigation continues, scrutinizing all aspects of UFLAC’s financial practices, including the use of union credit cards by officers.

Broader Implications for Union Integrity

These incidents have cast a shadow over the entire UFLAC organization. As a powerful political force in Los Angeles, UFLAC's endorsements and financial contributions carry significant weight in local politics. The allegations against Albarran and Walker highlight potential systemic issues within the union, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability.The IAFF's broader examination of UFLAC’s finances underscores the seriousness of the situation. Union leaders must address these concerns to restore public trust and ensure that resources intended for supporting firefighters and their families are managed responsibly. The ongoing investigation will likely have far-reaching consequences for the future of UFLAC and its leadership.

Response from Union Leadership

Despite the mounting pressure, UFLAC President Freddy Escobar has remained tight-lipped on the matter. He declined to comment on the allegations against Albarran and did not respond to written inquiries regarding the IAFF's financial review. This silence has only fueled speculation and raised additional questions about the union's willingness to confront these issues head-on.In recent months, UFLAC has also been vocal in its criticism of Mayor Karen Bass for firing LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley over her handling of a devastating fire in Pacific Palisades. While the union has taken a strong stance on this issue, it now faces internal challenges that could impact its credibility and influence moving forward.