Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama Resigns Amid Affair Probe & Fallout

Estrella Donnelly 11 May 2025

Has the recent resignation of Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama sent shockwaves through the community? The departure, announced on Tuesday, follows an investigation into allegations of an affair, raising questions about leadership, accountability, and the future of law enforcement in the city.

The announcement came during a press conference, with Balderrama confirming his resignation. The details surrounding the investigation remain shrouded in a degree of mystery, though the central issue is an alleged inappropriate relationship with the wife of a Fresno police officer. Balderrama's departure is a significant event for Fresno, a city grappling with complex challenges in policing and community relations.

Category	Details
Full Name	Juan Francisco "Paco" Balderrama
Age (as of 2024)	47
Previous Residence	El Paso, Texas (moved to Oklahoma City with family before graduating high school in 1995)
Education	High school graduate
Career Highlights	First Latino Deputy Chief in Oklahoma City's history (April 2019) Fresno Police Chief (sworn in after end of 2020) Held various assignments including: Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer (FTO), Impact Officer, D.A.R.E. Instructor, and Public Information Officer
Reason for Resignation	Following an investigation into an alleged affair with an officer's wife.
Union Response	Fresno Police Officers Association President Brandon Wiemiller applauded the decision, stating it was in the best interest of the city and department.
Current Status	Resigned from the position of Fresno Police Chief.
Personal Statements	"This is the most difficult time in my life and in my family's life." "I just think its best for my family first and foremost." "Its best for the police department." Declined to comment on specifics of the investigation.
Relevant Investigation	Ladoris Cordell, a former police auditor, is scrutinizing the city of Fresno's handling of Paco Balderrama's investigation.
Reference	Fresno Bee (Example - Please replace with an official, verified source related to the specific facts)

Balderrama's career trajectory provides context for his sudden exit. Before taking the helm in Fresno, he held the distinction of being the first Latino Deputy Chief in Oklahoma City, a role he assumed in April 2019. The national search for Fresno's next police chief had been launched the previous year, an opportunity Balderrama initially felt he wasn't ready for. At that juncture, he perceived his experience as insufficient to navigate the complexities of leading the Fresno Police Department.

The opportunity resurfaced a year later, and Balderrama ultimately accepted the challenge, becoming Fresno's police chief. However, his tenure has now come to an abrupt end amidst allegations that have cast a shadow over his leadership and brought scrutiny to the department.

The circumstances surrounding the investigation have prompted a range of reactions. City leaders have expressed a mix of dismay and appreciation for Balderrama's service. Public statements from the Fresno Police Officers Association, led by President Brandon Wiemiller, have echoed the sentiment that the resignation is in the best interest of the city and the department, further adding a layer of complexity to the situation. Wiemiller's statement underscored the FPOA's agreement with the city's assessment of the situation. The department and the city appear to be working together, acknowledging the best path forward for all involved.

Balderrama himself has spoken about the personal toll of the situation. He has stated that this is "the most difficult time in my life and in my family's life," declining to offer specifics about the investigation while emphasizing the impact on his personal well-being and that of his family. In a phone call, he explained, "I just think its best for my family first and foremost." He went on to say, "Its best for the police department. I dont think anybody will realize how heavy a toll this has been for me personally and my family. His plea for privacy, particularly regarding his family, suggests the emotional weight of the situation.

The city's handling of the investigation is now under scrutiny by Ladoris Cordell, a former police auditor. This independent review adds another layer of complexity, promising further examination of the processes and decisions that led to Balderrama's resignation. The scope of Cordell's review will likely delve into the procedures followed by the city and the police department during the investigation, potentially uncovering important insights into the events surrounding Balderrama's departure.

The details of the alleged affair, which triggered the investigation, remain somewhat obscured. Reports indicate that the investigation was launched following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an officer's wife. This has led to Balderrama's eventual resignation. Despite the lack of specific information, the central issue appears to be an alleged inappropriate relationship with someone who is not a city employee, according to an official news release.

Balderrama's resignation announcement took place on Tuesday. The specific timing of the announcement and the ensuing media coverage highlight the rapid pace at which these events have unfolded. The quick succession of events, from the initiation of the investigation to the resignation, underscores the severity of the situation and the internal pressures it generated within the department.

Balderrama's career spanned various roles within law enforcement. He had experience as a patrol officer, a Field Training Officer (FTO), an Impact Officer, a D.A.R.E. instructor, and a Public Information Officer. This diverse background provided him with a broad understanding of the operations and challenges faced by the Fresno Police Department. His career history is a testament to his dedication and experience.

Balderrama's journey to becoming Fresno's police chief was marked by strategic career moves and, at times, a sense of reluctance. Before his appointment in Fresno, Balderrama had a family and moved to Oklahoma City from El Paso to finish high school. The decision to move to Fresno was a significant one, showcasing his desire to lead and his willingness to take on new challenges. His time in Oklahoma City helped to build his skills as an officer and gave him additional leadership opportunities. When he accepted the position in Fresno, he took on the task of leading a department facing complex challenges. He was sworn in at the end of 2020, ready to face the difficulties that lie ahead.

The response from the Fresno Police Officers Association (FPOA) suggests a desire to move forward. The FPOA, led by President Brandon Wiemiller, has aligned itself with the city's assessment that Balderrama's resignation is in the best interests of all parties involved. This stance may reflect the need to protect the department's reputation and ensure that the focus remains on serving and protecting the citizens of Fresno.

The impact of Balderrama's resignation will be far-reaching. The city will now need to find a replacement, which will involve a thorough search and selection process. The new chief will be tasked with rebuilding trust within the community, addressing any internal issues that may have contributed to the situation, and ensuring that the department continues to operate effectively. The new chief will need to address any lingering questions about leadership and accountability. The transition period will be a crucial time for the department and the city.

The investigation into Balderrama's conduct and the circumstances surrounding his resignation will likely prompt a reevaluation of the Fresno Police Department's policies and procedures. This may include a review of internal investigations, the handling of allegations of misconduct, and the systems in place to ensure accountability. The goal of such reviews will be to strengthen the department's integrity and ensure that similar situations are avoided in the future. The outcome of these investigations will have a significant impact on the future of the department and the citizens of Fresno.

The events in Fresno serve as a reminder of the complexities of modern policing and the importance of ethical leadership. The allegations against Balderrama, the subsequent investigation, and his resignation have put a spotlight on the challenges faced by police departments across the nation. They underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct.

In the wake of Balderrama's resignation, the city of Fresno faces a pivotal moment. The community's trust in its police department may have been shaken, and the task of rebuilding that trust will fall to those who remain. The city's leaders and the remaining officers will need to work together to restore the department's integrity and ensure that it serves the community effectively and with honor. They will need to navigate the investigation's findings and take the necessary steps to heal and move forward.

The investigation into Balderrama's conduct, the scrutiny of the city's handling of the matter, and the internal and external pressures are expected to continue for some time. This requires both, the media and the public, to remain informed, ask critical questions, and call for transparency. This will lead to more accountability, not just for Balderrama, but also for the Fresno Police Department.