Domingo Albarran Jr., a former captain in the Los Angeles Fire Department and treasurer of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), is facing allegations of improper financial conduct related to the purchase of a union-owned vehicle. Issues have arisen regarding a reported sale price that allegedly diverges significantly from the actual amount paid.

Details of the Allegations

In December 2022, Albarran reportedly claimed to have bought a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu from the union for $500, as filed with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). However, sources suggest that the actual transaction involved a payment closer to $4,000. Allegations further indicate that Albarran misrepresented the car’s mileage, inflating it to affect the vehicle’s valuation negatively.

Discovery and Reporting

The discrepancy was identified by the new UFLAC treasurer, who requested that Albarran return the vehicle after noticing the incongruity in the sale documentation. Additionally, an evaluation from Kelley Blue Book indicated that, under normal circumstances, the vehicle would have been valued significantly higher—potentially over $10,000—based on the mileage Albarran reported to the DMV.

Albarran has since acknowledged the reporting error, admitting to the underreported sale price to mitigate tax liabilities. He contends that the vehicle’s condition warranted a lower valuation, citing required repairs exceeding $2,000.

Previous Leadership Complications

The scrutiny of Albarran’s actions occurs amidst broader internal investigations within UFLAC. Another former union officer, Adam Walker, is facing allegations related to the misuse of funds from the union’s charity dedicated to injured firefighters and their families.

Walker has been accused of utilizing approximately $5,000 from the charity for personal purposes but asserts that the expenses in question were reimbursements for his legitimate costs related to charity fundraising activities.

Ongoing Investigations

In light of recent events, the parent organization, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), has initiated a comprehensive review of UFLAC’s financial practices. This examination will address not only the specifics of Albarran’s vehicle transaction but also the use of credit cards by other union officers.

UFLAC President Freddy Escobar has refrained from commenting on the specific allegations against Albarran while remaining critical of recent city leadership decisions, particularly concerning the dismissal of LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.

Conclusion

As this situation unfolds, it highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in union financial matters. The outcomes of both investigations could have significant implications for UFLAC and its governance moving forward.