The married California police chief who was under investigation for an alleged affair with a colleague’s wife has made a startling claim about his glamorous wife.
Paco Balderrama, 47, former Fresno police chief, was recently outed by city officials for being investigated for an alleged relationship with a non-city employee.
Sources said The sun of the San Joaquin Valley who used the alleged affair to undermine his colleague’s professional moves that would have ended the affair.
He was placed on administrative leave on June 13 but on Tuesday Balderrama resigned from his position.
When interviewed by the press about two weeks ago, Balderrama appeared to say that his wife Kayla had forgiven him for his actions.
“I’ve never claimed to be perfect,” he said. “I am also very proud of my family and I can tell you that I owe them forgiveness and I have received it,” Balderrama added.
Paco Balderrama, 47, former Fresno police chief, was recently outed by city officials for being investigated for an alleged relationship with the wife of a fellow officer. (in the photo: Balderrama and his wife Kayla)
When interviewed by reporters about two weeks ago, Balderrama appeared to say that his wife Kayla had forgiven him for his actions.
The father of three claimed he had been told not to speak about the ongoing investigation, but proceeded to speak to reporters.
“I’m human, I’m imperfect, I work very hard, I plan to continue taking this police department to even greater heights,” Balderrama said before thanking his fellow police officers and the community for their support and prayers.
‘I’ve received hundreds and hundreds of messages, sending me Bible verses, saying they are praying for me and my family, asking me ‘please don’t give up’.’
In a statement to the The sun of the San Joaquin Valley According to her fellow officer, Balderrama allegedly began a two-year affair starting in August 2021 that ended when she was discovered in 2023.
The unknown subordinate and his legal representatives reported the matter to the Fresno City Attorney in February.
After the alleged affair was reported to the city prosecutor, Balderrama allegedly admitted to the affair but downplayed its duration.
“I’m human, I’m imperfect, I work very hard, I plan to continue to take this police department to even greater heights,” Balderrama said. (in the photo: he and his wife in September 2023)
In his statement, the officer said he was actively seeking a change in the patrol department to another division that would have allowed for greater flexibility.
The assignment change would have reshaped the officer’s schedule by freeing up weekends, which would have interfered with Balderrama’s access to his wife.
It has been alleged that Balderrama and the department opted for another officer to fill the position, so the chief could pursue the matter.
He previously sent a memo to officials saying he planned to “own” his mistakes in an email to the department.
He wrote: “It is very true that there are two sides to every story, but I have no intention of justifying or defending myself regardless of unknown circumstances.”
“My actions did not meet the standards of who I am as a man of faith, husband or father.”
“I own my mistakes, they are mine and mine alone to bear, and I will pay for those mistakes for the rest of my life.”
“My family has been deeply affected by this and I humbly ask for your grace, discretion and understanding during this difficult time.”
Balderrama posted on X just hours after the investigation became public, sharing an image with words from the Bible verse Hebrews 13:5.
The image said: ‘I will never leave you. I’ll never abandon you,’ which she captioned: ‘We’ll be okay.’
Balderrama (right) is alleged to have begun a two-year affair starting in August 2021 that ended when it was discovered in 2023.
“I am hopeful that with Chief Balderrama’s resignation we can move forward and that the police department can continue to focus on what it does best: keeping people safe,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said Tuesday.
“I wish Paco and his family the best and thank him for his service to our community.”
Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White said his resignation “does not excuse Chief Balderrama’s behavior regarding the inappropriate relationship.”
In a statement released by the city, Balderrama said it was the “right time” to leave the force.
‘The people of Fresno are beautiful, diverse and very supportive of their police department. Even in my most difficult trials, you have been kind, forgiving and uplifting,” she said.
Thank you for being there for me. The rewarding part of the job hasn’t been the enormous responsibility, job stress, or intense work. It has always been the people. “I will miss the Fresno community and every member of the Fresno Police Department.”
‘I have no doubt that this group of hardworking and compassionate police officers and professional staff will continue to thrive and do great things. This is the right time to take a step back and focus on my faith and my family. I love you,’ Balderrama added.
Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White said his resignation “does not excuse Chief Balderrama’s behavior as it relates to the inappropriate relationship.” (pictured: him and his wife Kayla)
His resignation from the Fresno Police Department will be effective July 25 and the city has begun searching for his replacement, according to the city.
His resignation from the Fresno Police Department will be effective July 25 and the city has begun searching for his replacement, according to the city.
Fox 26 kmph reported that while on paid leave, Balderrama applied for a police chief position in Austin, Texas.
It’s not exactly clear when she applied for the new job, but the city of Austin began accepting applications in May, before news of the alleged affair.
Balderrama became the top police officer in 2021, after making history as the first chief of Hispanic descent.
He was previously a Public Information Officer for the Oklahoma City Police Department and appeared regularly on metropolitan television during the 2000s and 2010s.
In an editorial of The lost robberyBalderrama reportedly melted the hearts of female news viewers with his television appearances.
