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SALT LAKE CITY — The treasurer of the Salt Lake City Firefighters Union has resigned amid allegations that at least $37,000 in union funds were embezzled.
Salt Lake City Firefighters Union Local 81 confirmed that Joshua Diamond resigned several weeks ago. As of Friday, he had not been arrested or charged in connection with the missing money.
When confronted about the money, Diamond told union leaders, "I have become the person I hate — a thief,” according to a search warrant affidavit unsealed this week in 3rd District Court.
The allegations came to light following an audit of the union account that "found multiple discrepancies and for the past three years it has been discovered that Joshua Diamond had been forging checks that were made payable to himself for reimbursements he was not entitled to," the warrant states.
Diamond was the union treasurer from January of 2011 until April 18, 2016.
All union checks require both the signature of Diamond and the union president, according the warrant.
Union President Trevor Tallon told Salt Lake police that "his signature is forged on each one. Trevor Tallon has discovered at least 33 forged checks so far, with a sum of $37,369.13," the warrant states.
Questions were also raised by investigators about electronic payments that police say Diamond made on two credit cards.
When confronted by union board members, Diamond said "he had been taking the money from the union account and he intended to pay it back. It started when Joshua Diamond’s wife injured her back and they became financially strapped. Joshua Diamond advised the board he would cooperate and he intends to pay the amount back," the warrant states.
An additional audit was ordered to check,records dating back beyond three years, according to police.
Diamond remained on paid administrative leave Friday from the Salt Lake City Fire Department.
