Former Los Angeles Firefighters Union Official Accused of Taking Over $82,000 From Charity Fund

Money collected to help injured Los Angeles firefighters allegedly ended up paying personal bills instead, leading to criminal charges against a former union official accused of taking $82,914 from a nonprofit foundation.

Former United Firefighters of Los Angeles City secretary Adam Walker allegedly transferred foundation money into accounts under his control between December 2022 and January 2024 while serving as chairman of the organization's nonprofit arm, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Prosecutors say Walker opened a foundation bank account with himself listed as the sole signer, giving him direct control over money intended for firefighters and their families.

State records accuse him of moving foundation funds through intrabank transfers before directing the money into personal accounts. The alleged scheme remained in place for more than a year before it was uncovered.

The attorney general's office says Walker attempted to hide the transfers by creating false reimbursement requests and using forged receipts designed to satisfy financial reviews.

"We found that he attempted to conceal those transfers by creating false reimbursement records and forged receipts specifically designed to mislead auditors," Bonta said during a virtual news conference announcing the charges.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the missing money was supposed to support firefighters recovering from injuries and other hardships connected to their service.

Instead, prosecutors contend the funds helped cover online gambling activity, mortgage payments, RV loan bills and other personal expenses. Bank records reviewed during the investigation allegedly traced the money to those transactions.

Problems about foundation finances surfaced during a broader examination of union-related records. The review eventually led state prosecutors and local investigators to focus on the charity account and its transactions.

Walker has been charged with grand theft and forgery. No plea has been announced, and officials have not publicly identified any additional defendants in the case.