Public scrutiny of the Balderrama scandal and investigations

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) – The investigation into the conduct of Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama has been completed. Although the city says the allegations of abuse of power are “not substantiated,” this led to his resignation.

Questions remain about the length and transparency of the investigation, as the investigation was reportedly launched in February but was not made public until June.

“I believe Police Chief Balderrama was not prudent in his decision to enter into an inappropriate relationship,” said Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White.

The city confirmed that the relationship was with the wife of a Fresno police officer, adding fuel to the fire and increasing public attention.

“I served as Chief of Police for the City of Fresno for 18 years and I know how difficult it is to maintain the trust of police officers and the public. In this particular case, it would have been even more difficult for Chief Balderrama to maintain that trust,” said Mayor Jerry Dyer.

Our radio partner KMJ says they have received calls from people who are dismayed that two families are affected and outraged by the affair.

“Many of our callers wanted him fired because once you lose the trust of the base, there is no going back,” said Blake Taylor, KMJ program director.

Other allegations also circulated, including one published in the San Joaquin Valley Sun on June 10, which alleged that Balderrama denied the officer better working hours.

The city manager took aim at the press.

“One of the allegations referred to in the Sun article was that Chief Balderrama used his position to undermine the officer’s career moves that would have brought an end to the affair. While I cannot go into the details of the investigation, I can say that this allegation was not substantiated,” White said.

The officer’s attorney shared this statement, saying in part: “Recent media reports have misrepresented recent confidential efforts to resolve this issue without litigation after months of the City taking no action. These efforts included demanding compliance with a 2022 agreement in which Balderrama promised my client a specific position within the department. Balderrama later breached this agreement to further his extramarital affair, which is a clear violation of professional and ethical standards.”

“Listen, infidelity with the wife of one of your officers? Man, I mean, if you don’t expect this to be on the news and you think this is wild and out of control reporting, you’re sadly mistaken,” said KMJ’s Taylor.

He adds that it is disappointing to see this boss fall from grace.

“Very popular in town. Tremendous popularity in the department. The rank and file liked the guy, but his behavior is unacceptable and something has to change,” Taylor said.