Traffic flows out of downtown Fresno, Calif., 2009. (Karl Mondon/Staff)
Fresno’s police chief is under investigation for an alleged “inappropriate relationship,” the city’s administrators announced.
Paco Balderrama, 47, remains the police department’s chief as the investigation continues, Thursday’s statement said.
The announcement left unanswered key questions. It did not say why the alleged relationship — reportedly conducted in off-duty hours with a person who is not a city employee — would be a matter for investigation.
It also did not indicate why the announcement is being made now, when the investigation has apparently been in progress for weeks and no action has been taken against the chief. Balderrama reportedly informed the mayor and city manager in February that the allegation might be made.
“Until the investigation is finalized and thoroughly reviewed, we ask that you reserve judgment in this confidential personnel matter,” the city statement said.
When Balderrama took over as chief, in January 2021, his bio said he was married and the father of two children. He was previously deputy police chief in Oklahoma City.
On the X account he uses for police business, Balderrama on Thursday evening posted the message “We will be OK…” with an image of a New Testament verse: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Originally published at Bay Area News Group