The Fresno police chief remains on active duty, city officials said in a statement.
The City of Fresno is investigating Police Chief Paco Balderrama over an allegation he had an “inappropriate off-duty relationship” with a non-city employee, according to a Thursday evening news release.
Back in February, Balderrama alerted Mayor Jerry Dyer and City Manager Georgeanne White of a potential allegation surfacing. City officials have sought a third party to conduct an administrative investigation to see if Balderrama violated department policy.
The investigation is in the review process and Balderrama will remain on duty as police chief, according to the news release.
City officials did not provide details on the nature of the allegation or say why an independent investigator needed to look into a relationship with a “non-city employee.”
Additionally, it is unclear why the city put out a news release four months after the allegation surfaced, but before the investigation into Balderrama was complete.
The news release credits Balderrama with “rebuilding the ranks of the Fresno Police Department and dramatically lowering violent crime rates.”
“Until the investigation is finalized and thoroughly reviewed, we ask that you reserve
judgment in this confidential personnel matter,” the news release said. “Chief Balderrama will remain on duty and continue to serve as Fresno Police Chief.”
