Fresno police chief under investigation for alleged inappropriate relationship

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

32 1 minute read

Fresno's police chief is under investigation for “inappropriate relationship,” city administrators announced.

Paco Balderrama, 47, remains the police department's chief while the investigation continues, the statement released Thursday said.

The announcement left key questions unanswered. It was not made clear why the alleged relationship — which allegedly took place off-duty with someone who is not a city employee — would be investigated.

He also did not say why the announcement is being made now, when the investigation has apparently been underway for weeks and no action has been taken against the chief. Balderrama reportedly informed the mayor and city manager in February that this allegation could be made.

“Until the investigation is finalized and thoroughly reviewed, we ask that you reserve judgment on this confidential personnel matter,” the city’s statement said.

When Balderrama took over as chief, in January 2021, his biography indicated that he was married with two children. He previously served as Oklahoma City's deputy police chief.

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