Fresno Police Chief Balderrama receives paid leave while affair with officer’s wife is investigated

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday afternoon.

While Balderrama is on vacation, Deputy Chief Mindy Casto will assume operational leadership of the police department.

The big picture: Fresno City Administrator Georgeanne White informed the police department in an email Wednesday afternoon that Balderrama would be placed on leave pending an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship.

• Earlier this week, The Sun reported that Balderrama had an affair with a police officer’s wife for over two years.
• White said the city made this decision in the best interests of everyone involved, as the investigation is being closely watched by the public.

This story will be updated.