A California police chief is being investigated for an “inappropriate off-duty relationship” he allegedly had with the spouse of one of his own officers.
Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama, 47, was outed last week by city officials for being investigated for an alleged relationship with a non-city employee.
Balderrama, who is married to his wife Kayla and has three children, was not placed on leave but remains under investigation by an independent investigator.
Sources told The sun of the San Joaquin Valley who used the alleged affair to undermine the officer’s career moves that would have ended the affair.
In a statement from the officer to the outlet, it is alleged that Balderrama began a two-year affair starting in August 2021 that ended when it was discovered in 2023.
Balderrama, who is married to his wife Kayla, pictured, and has three children, was not placed on leave but remains under investigation.
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.
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.
Balderrama and the department allegedly opted for another officer to fill the position so the chief could pursue the matter.
Paco Balderrama, 47, was reported last week by city officials for being investigated for an alleged relationship with a non-city employee.
On Monday, Balderrama said in a memo to officers that 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, a husband or a 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 and the department allegedly opted for another officer to fill the position so the chief could pursue the matter.
He went on to apologize to the department’s staff members, saying he understands if they are “upset and disappointed.”
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.’
On Friday, leaders of the Fresno Police Officers Association, which represents rank-and-file officers but not the police chief, questioned the ongoing investigation.
Board President Brandon Wiemiller said: ‘There has also been a prevailing narrative around this situation that no policy violations have been established.
‘This is an incredible affront to every sworn member of the agency, who is held accountable for policy violations related to ‘discretion’ and ‘improper conduct.’
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 Metro TV during the 2000s and 2010s.
In an editorial of The lost robberyBalderrama reportedly melted the hearts of female news viewers with his television appearances.
