Chief Paco Balderrama announced his resignation after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an officer's wife surfaced, leading to an internal investigation.
Fresno, California - The City of Fresno announced Tuesday that Chief Paco Balderrama has resigned from his position amidst an ongoing investigation into an alleged affair with an officer's wife.
Chief Balderrama, who has served as the city's top cop for three and a half years, informed city leadership in February that an allegation would likely be made against him related to an "inappropriate off-duty relationship." He was placed on administrative leave on June 13 while the city launched an investigation.
Fresno Police Chief Resigns Amidst Affair Investigation
The city has not disclosed the full details of the investigation, but Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White stated that allegations of Balderrama leveraging his position to harm the officer's career moves were not substantiated. However, White emphasized that Balderrama's behavior in the alleged inappropriate relationship was below the standards expected of the city's Police Chief.
In a statement released by the city, Balderrama expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving as Fresno's top cop. "The people of Fresno have been king, forgiving, and uplifting," he said. "I have no doubt that this group of hard-working and compassionate police officers will continue to thrive."
Fresno Police Chief Resigns Amidst Affair Investigation
Balderrama's resignation, effective July 25, comes at a time when he is reportedly a candidate for the chief of police opening in Austin, Texas. Fox 26 KMPH reported that Balderrama's name appeared on a list of 32 candidates competing for the position. The city of Austin reportedly began taking applications back in May, prior to the public revelation of Balderrama's alleged affair.
Balderrama, the first Latino appointed to the role of chief of police for the city of Fresno, made history during his tenure. The city will now begin a national search for his replacement.
Fresno Police Chief Resigns Amidst Affair Investigation
"This has been a very difficult time for the community, the police department, and the families involved," Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said in a statement. "It is my hope that with the resignation of Chief Balderrama we can move forward, and the police department can continue to focus on what it does best, keep people safe."
"This does not excuse Chief Balderrama's behavior," said City Manager White. "Those actions cannot be justified or defended and are below the standards that he holds for himself and that we hold for the Police Chief of our City."
Fresno Police Chief Resigns Amidst Affair Investigation
"The rewarding part of the job has not been the huge responsibility, job stress, or intense work," said Balderrama in his statement. "It has always been the people. I will miss both the Fresno community and every member of the Fresno Police Department."
