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UFLAC Leadership Suspended Amid Financial Misconduct Allegations

An illustration showing financial documents related to union management, highlighting the need for accountability.

News Summary

The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) faces a leadership crisis as three key officers, including President Freddy Escobar, are suspended due to financial misconduct allegations totaling nearly $800,000. An audit initiated by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) uncovered serious mismanagement, missing receipts, and improper use of union funds. The investigation highlights significant concerns over financial practices, raising questions about fiduciary responsibilities and the integrity of union leadership.

Los Angeles – The leadership of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), the labor union representing LAFD firefighters, has been suspended following allegations of financial misconduct amounting to nearly $800,000. This decision came from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which oversees UFLAC’s activities and finances, after an audit revealed significant mismanagement and a lack of proper documentation for credit card expenses.

UFLAC President Freddy Escobar, along with former Secretary Adam Walker and former Treasurer Domingo Albarran Jr., have been placed on suspension amid serious allegations involving missing receipts and improper use of union funds. An investigation indicated that Escobar alone initiated over 1,900 transactions on his union credit card between July 2018 and November 2024, accumulating nearly $311,500 in charges, with over 70% of those transactions lacking proper documentation.

The financial review initiated by the IAFF highlighted that Escobar’s documentation for union dues expenditures was particularly concerning, with over $265,000 spent without any legitimate proof of use for union-related activities. Furthermore, an audit of Walker revealed that he improperly deposited over $75,000 in charity funds into personal accounts in a timeframe extending from December 2022 to January 2024. Walker claimed these funds were used for reimbursements related to a fundraising event for a disabled former firefighter.

The financial misconduct was first brought to light by newly appointed UFLAC Treasurer Jason Powell, who raised concerns regarding improper record-keeping. This resulted in an extensive investigation initiated by the IAFF, which is now rigorously examining the financial practices of UFLAC and its officers. A conservator has also been appointed to oversee the financial management of the union during this period of scrutiny.

Reports indicate that former Treasurer Domingo Albarran Jr. faced allegations of not reporting the purchase price of a union vehicle accurately, with claims that he adjusted the price to evade taxes. Additionally, Albarran of charged approximately $1,500 on a union credit card for maintenance expenses related to this vehicle, ostensibly intended for union duties. The patterns of financial mismanagement highlighted in these investigations underscore serious concerns regarding the leadership’s obligations to their members and the expectations of fiduciary responsibility.

The IAFF is taking these allegations seriously, having initiated a forensic audit to ensure accountability and rectify the situation within UFLAC. This investigation is part of a broader scrutiny of union practices, particularly concerning pay and benefits, as Escobar’s financial behaviors, including discrepancies in overtime earnings and stipends, have also drawn attention.

As the investigation progresses, allegations of embezzlement, breach of fiduciary duty, and various other misconduct against Walker could lead to further disciplinary actions. The outcome of the IAFF’s findings will be significant for the UFLAC members who rely on the union’s integrity in representing their rights and managing their contributions effectively.

The ramifications of these financial improprieties are expected to affect not only the union’s operations but also its reputation among the firefighter community. The suspensions serve as a reminder of the critical need for transparency and accountability within organizations that handle public and member funds, emphasizing the importance of trust in labor leadership.

In the wake of these developments, members of UFLAC are left to navigate the implications of these serious financial mismanagement claims and await the conclusions of the ongoing investigations by the IAFF.