A former leader of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City is facing scrutiny over a questionable car purchase involving a union vehicle. Domingo Albarran Jr., who previously served as the treasurer for the union and was a captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department, bought a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu from the union for just $500 in December 2022. However, sources indicate that he actually paid $4,000 for the car but reported a much lower price to the state to dodge taxes.
The new treasurer of the union discovered this discrepancy and requested that Albarran return the vehicle. It was also found that he had inflated the car’s mileage when getting an estimate from Kelley Blue Book. A spokesperson for Kelley Blue Book stated that a 2017 Malibu would likely have been valued at over $10,000 at that time.
In an interview, Albarran admitted to underreporting the sale price to avoid taxes. He claimed he misread the odometer and provided incorrect mileage for the estimate. Despite this, he insisted that the car was in poor condition and required significant repairs, arguing that the price he paid was fair given its state.
Albarran’s pay records show he earned over $370,000 in 2023, including a substantial amount from overtime. This incident comes on the heels of another investigation into a former UFLAC officer accused of misusing charity funds meant for injured firefighters and their families. Adam Walker, the officer in question, has been suspended and denies any wrongdoing, asserting that his actions were legitimate reimbursements for expenses related to fundraising events.
The UFLAC treasurer who flagged Albarran’s car deal reported the issue to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which is now reviewing the union’s finances, including the use of credit cards by its officers. UFLAC President Freddy Escobar has declined to comment on the allegations and the ongoing financial review.
Albarran’s situation reflects broader concerns about financial practices within the union, which plays a significant role in Los Angeles politics, often influencing local elections through endorsements and contributions.