Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama resigned on Tuesday amid allegations that he’d had an extramarital affair with a police officer’s wife.
KVPR and the Fresno Bee have identified the officer as Madera County District 1 Supervisor Jordan Wamhoff. The officer had also alleged that Balderrama used his position to deny him a promotion in the police department.
Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White said a city investigation did not uncover evidence that Balderrama had abused his power. In fact, "evidence to the contrary was presented." However, she added, “this does not excuse Chief Balderrama’s behavior as it relates to the inappropriate relationship, because as he has stated, those actions cannot be justified or defended and are below the standards that he holds for himself and that we hold for the Police Chief of our City.”
Fresnoland reports that Wamhoff had given the city an ultimatum. Either Balderrama would resign or he would pursue legal action against the city.
Balderrama has served as Fresno’s top cop for the past 3 1/2 years. He was placed on leave earlier this month pending an investigation.
"This has been a very difficult time for the community, the police department and the families involved," Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said in a statement. "It is my hope that with the resignation of Chief Balderrama we can move forward, and the police department can continue to focus on what it does best, keep people safe. I wish Paco and his family the best and thank him for his service to our community."