The married California police chief, who was questioned over an alleged affair he had with a fellow officer’s wife, has made a stunning claim about his glamorous wife.
Paco Balderrama, 47, former Fresno police chief, was recently exposed by city officials as they investigated an alleged relationship with an out-of-town employee.
Sources said The San Joaquin Valley sun that he used the alleged affair to undermine his colleague’s career moves, which would have put an end to the affair.
He was placed on administrative leave on June 13, but Balderrama resigned on Tuesday.
When Balderrama was interviewed by the press about two weeks ago, he appeared to say that his wife Kayla had forgiven him for his actions.
“I never claimed to be perfect,” he said. “I’m also very proud of my family and I can tell you that I owe them forgiveness, and I got it,” Balderrama added.
Former Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama, 47, was recently exposed by city officials amid investigations into his alleged relationship with a fellow officer’s wife. (photo: Balderrama and his wife Kayla)
When Balderrama was interviewed by the press about two weeks ago, he appeared to say that his wife Kayla had forgiven him for his actions
The father of three stated that he had been told not to talk about the ongoing investigation, but continued speaking to reporters.
“I am human, I am imperfect, I work extremely hard, I intend to continue to lead 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 with Bible verses in them saying they are praying for me and my family and asking me, ‘Please don’t give up.’
In a statement to the The San Joaquin Valley sun His fellow officer is said to have started a two-year affair from August 2021, which ended when Balderrama was discovered in 2023.
The unidentified subordinate and his legal representatives then reported the matter to the Fresno city attorney in February.
After the alleged affair was reported to the city attorney, Balderrama reportedly admitted to the affair but minimized its duration.
“I am human, I am imperfect, I work extremely hard, I intend to continue to lead this police department to even greater heights,” Balderrama said. (photo: he and his wife in September 2023)
In his statement, the officer said he was actively seeking a change within the department from patrol to another division, which would have allowed for greater flexibility.
The change in assignment would have altered the officers’ schedule by freeing up weekends, which would have hindered Balderrama’s access to his wife.
It is alleged that Balderrama and the department opted for another officer to fill the position so the chief could continue the case.
He previously sent a memo to officers saying he planned to “acknowledge” his mistakes in an email to the department.
He wrote, “It’s so true that there are two sides to every story, but I’m not going to justify or defend myself regardless of any 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 I can bear them alone, and I will have to pay for those mistakes for the rest of my life.”
“My family is deeply affected by this and I humbly ask for your mercy, discretion and understanding at this difficult time.”
Balderrama posted on X just hours after the investigation became public knowledge, sharing an image with words from the Bible verse Hebrews 13:5.
The image said: ‘Never will I leave you. I will never let you down,” with the caption: “We will be fine.”
Balderrama (right) is said to have begun a two-year affair from August 2021, which ended upon discovery in 2023
“I hope that with the resignation of Chief Balderrama, we can make progress and the police can continue to focus on what they do best: protecting people,” 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 firing “does not excuse Chief Balderrama’s conduct as it relates to the inappropriate relationship.”
In a statement released by the city, Balderrama said this was the “right time” for him to leave the force.
“The people of Fresno are beautiful, diverse and very supportive of their police department. Even through my most difficult trials, you have been kind, forgiving and uplifting,” he said.
Thanks for being there for me. The most rewarding part of the job wasn’t the enormous responsibility, the stress of the job or the intense work. It was always the people. I will miss the Fresno community as well as every member of the Fresno Police Department.”
“I have no doubt that this group of hard-working and compassionate police officers and professional staff will continue to thrive and do great things. This is the right time for me to step away and focus on my faith and family. I love you,” Balderrama added.
Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White said his firing “does not excuse Chief Balderrama’s conduct as it relates to the inappropriate relationship.” (photo: he and his wife Kayla)
His resignation from the Fresno Police Department is effective July 25 and the city has begun a search for his replacement, the city said.
His resignation from the Fresno Police Department is effective July 25 and the city has begun a search for his replacement, according to the city.
Fox 26 KMPH reported that Balderrama applied for a position as chief of police in Austin, Texas, while on paid leave.
It’s not clear exactly when he applied for the new job, but the city of Austin began accepting applications in May, prior to news of the alleged affair.
Balderrama became top cop in 2021 after making history as the first chef of Spanish descent.
He was previously the Public Information Officer for the Oklahoma City Police Department and appeared regularly on Metro TV in the 2000s and 2010s.
In an editorial by The lost StogleBalderrama reportedly melts the hearts of female news viewers with his TV appearances.