Top leaders of the Los Angeles firefighters union were suspended on Monday following an audit that uncovered over $800,000 in unaccounted credit card expenses, some tied to the union’s president. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), which oversees firefighter unions nationwide, informed the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) that it would assume control of the union’s finances through conservatorship. UFLAC represents over 3,600 Los Angeles Fire Department personnel.

IAFF President Edward Kelly stated in a letter that the organization had voted to suspend UFLAC President Freddy Escobar and two other officials for making thousands of undocumented credit card transactions. Escobar, in a response posted to Instagram, denied the allegations, calling them false and politically motivated, and vowed to clear his name.

Concerns first arose in October 2024 when a union officer reported poor financial record-keeping. Investigators discovered that then-secretary Adam Walker had transferred over $80,000 from a union-affiliated nonprofit into his personal accounts, which he allegedly used to pay off debts and withdraw money at casinos. He was suspended for misappropriation and violating fiduciary responsibilities.

A broader audit later found Escobar had charged over $300,000 on his union card from July 2018 to November 2024, with no confirmation that the expenses were for legitimate union business. In 2024 alone, he reportedly spent over $70,000 without submitting any receipts. Former treasurer Domingo Albarran was also implicated, with more than $300,000 in undocumented spending over five years. Two vice presidents, Chuong Ho and Doug Coates, were suspended for failing to enforce financial policies. Kelly described the financial misconduct as deeply damaging to the union’s membership. Attempts to reach Albarran, Ho, and Coates for comment were unsuccessful.