Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama receives paid leave during the investigation

FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday, nearly a week after the city announced he was being investigated for an inappropriate relationship outside of work hours, according to multiple news reports.

On Wednesday, hours before his leave, he told reporters he could not provide details about the investigation and promised to remain police chief throughout the investigation.

“This is the most difficult time in my life and in the life of my family,” Balderrama said when he was arrested Leaving the city council chamber in downtown Fresno. The moment was captured on video by GV Wire reporter David Taub.

Balderrama was visibly moved and at one point pulled out a rosary that a police officer had given him as a sign of support. He asked for forgiveness for his actions and said he was not perfect.

That same day, the Fresno Police Union called an emergency meeting to discuss the matter. The association is the union that represents Fresno police officers. Balderrama reportedly does not have union insurance and is an at-will city employee.

On Monday evening, Balderrama stated in a one-page letter to police that he had failed to meet the standards he had set for himself “as a man of faith, husband and father.”

“It is absolutely true that every story has two sides, but I have no intention of justifying or defending myself regardless of any unknown circumstances,” Balderrama wrote.

Balderrama notified his superiors in the city in February that charges would be filed against him. Officials are releasing few details about the nature of Balderram’s off-duty relationships, but news outlets have reported that he allegedly had an affair that may have influenced personnel decisions at the police department.

The city has hired an outside firm to conduct the investigation, and the city attorney will review the findings. Fresno Deputy Police Chief Mindy Casto will reportedly take over as interim head of the police department.