Deputy Police Chief Mindy Casto has taken over operation control of the police department.
Fresno police Chief Paco Balderrama was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday, six days after the city said it was investigating the chief in connection with an “inappropriate off-duty relationship.”
“In light of the intense public scrutiny surrounding the administrative investigation and in the best interest of all parties involved, Chief Balderrama will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” wrote City Manager Georgeanne White in an email to city employees.
In Balderrama’s absence, Deputy Chief Mindy Casto has taken over operational control at the Fresno Police Department, according to a copy of the email obtained by Fresnoland.
The Fresno Bee, citing two sources familiar with the investigation, reported that Balderrama was being investigated for an affair that lasted about two years with the wife of an officer under his command.
City spokesperson Sontaya Rose declined to comment.
The Fresno Police Officers Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Balderrama’s leave came just hours after he addressed the Fresno City Council during Wednesday’s budget hearing.
On Monday, he asked for forgiveness from the police department in a departmentwide email.
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