A former leader of the Los Angeles firefighters union is facing serious allegations for allegedly buying a union vehicle at a steep discount and misreporting its sale price to save on taxes. Domingo Albarran Jr., a retired captain from the Los Angeles Fire Department and former treasurer of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), purchased 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 Department of Motor Vehicles.
The new treasurer of UFLAC noticed this discrepancy and requested that Albarran return the vehicle. It was also revealed that Albarran had inflated the car’s mileage during the sale process. A representative from Kelley Blue Book stated that a 2017 Malibu would have been valued at over $10,000 at the time of the sale.
In response to the allegations, Albarran admitted to underreporting the sale price to avoid taxes. He claimed he mistakenly reported the wrong mileage and argued that the car was in poor condition, needing significant repairs, which justified the price he paid. He stated, “I don’t want to pay a lot of taxes on a vehicle that was potentially a lemon, but whatever, I own that 100%.”
Albarran’s financial dealings are under scrutiny, especially since he earned over $370,000 in pay and benefits in 2023, including a substantial amount from overtime. This situation arises amid another investigation into Adam Walker, a former UFLAC officer, who is accused of financial misconduct involving the union’s charity for injured firefighters.
The new UFLAC treasurer reported Albarran’s actions to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which is now reviewing UFLAC’s finances, including how union credit cards have been used by its officers. UFLAC President Freddy Escobar has not commented on the allegations against Albarran or the ongoing financial review.
Albarran’s case highlights broader concerns within the union, which has significant political influence in Los Angeles. The union’s leadership has been vocal in their criticism of city officials, especially regarding the recent firing of LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley.
Before Albarran’s purchase was finalized, he reportedly charged about $1,500 on a union credit card for maintenance on the Malibu, which he described as necessary for safety. He also faces allegations of using union funds to pay for gas for his personal vehicle, claiming it was a more economical choice for the union than mileage reimbursements.
As investigations continue, the future of UFLAC’s leadership and its financial practices remains uncertain.