California authorities have filed felony grand theft and forgery charges against former United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Secretary Adam Walker, accusing him of taking nearly $83,000 from a firefighters’ nonprofit foundation and spending the money on personal costs, including online gambling.
Walker also served as chairman of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Foundation. Investigators say he moved foundation money into accounts under his control, triggering a joint investigation involving the California Department of Justice and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
According to authorities, investigators found evidence that $82,914.24 was diverted from the foundation between December 2022 and January 2024. The investigation alleges Walker opened a foundation bank account naming himself as the only authorized signer and then transferred nonprofit funds into personal accounts through multiple internal bank transactions.
Investigators further claim he attempted to conceal the missing money during audits. Authorities say he produced records that falsely described the transfers as reimbursements for credit card expenses and used online tools to create forged receipts. The funds were allegedly spent on personal expenses, including online gambling.
Investigation examines nonprofit finances of ex-LA firefighters foundation leader, accused of theft and gambling claims
The case was developed by the California Department of Justice’s Special Investigations Team with support from investigators in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The unit handles public corruption, fraud, money laundering and other complex criminal investigations.
“The California Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute corruption at every turn and hold accountable those who break the law and the trust placed in them by the public,” Bonta said. “I am thankful for the hard work of our DOJ team and our partners at LADA over the course of this investigation.”
State officials said prosecutors from both agencies are jointly handling the case. The criminal complaint contains allegations only, and Walker remains presumed innocent unless the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The accusations arrive amid several other recent cases in which authorities alleged gambling played a role in broader fraud schemes.
In one federal case, Burbank laboratory owner Armen Muradyan was sentenced to 51 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion. Prosecutors said he concealed his control of a blood-testing laboratory, obtained millions in Medicare reimbursements and spent proceeds on personal expenses that included gambling. The court ordered more than $15 million in restitution.
Federal prosecutors have also charged Sacramento resident Keinyatey Deboros Chambers with 10 counts of wire fraud. Investigators allege he raised more than $500,000 through a fake cannabis investment operation, targeting people he met at casinos, bars and restaurants. Authorities contend the money was used for personal spending and casino gambling rather than legitimate investments.
Another case resulted in a 30-month prison sentence for Lanette Bashore, who admitted to mail fraud after running a long-term scheme that persuaded victims to provide money based on promises of access to a supposed fortune. Prosecutors said stolen funds supported her lifestyle and gambling activities.
Court proceedings in Walker’s case are expected to continue in Los Angeles County.
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