The married California police chief who was probed over an alleged affair he had with a fellow officer’s wife has made an astonishing claim about his glamorous wife. 

Paco Balderrama, 47, the former Fresno Police Chief, was recently outed by city officials for being investigated over the alleged relationship with a non-city employee.

Sources told The San Joaquin Valley Sun that he used the alleged affair to undermine his colleague’s career moves that would have brought an end to the affair. 

He was placed on administrative leave on June 13 but on Tuesday Balderrama resigned from his position. 

When interviewed by the press about two weeks ago Balderrama appeared to say that his wife Kayla had forgiven him for his actions.

‘I’ve never claimed to be perfect,’ he said. ‘I’m also very proud of my family and I can tell you that I owe them forgiveness, and I’ve gotten it,’ Balderrama added.

The father-of-three stated that has been told not to talk about the ongoing investigation, but proceeded to speak to reporters. 

‘I am human, I am imperfect, I work extremely hard, I plan on continuing to lead this police department to even greater heights,’ Balderrama said before thanking his fellow police officers and community for their support and prayers. 

‘I have received hundreds and hundreds of messages, sending me bible verses, saying that they’re praying for me and my family, asking me “please don’t quit”.’

In a statement to the The San Joaquin Valley Sun from the his fellow officer, Balderrama is alleged to have initiated a two-year affair from August 2021 which ended upon discovery in 2023. 

The unknown subordinate and his legal representatives then reported the affair to Fresno’s City Attorney in February. 

After the alleged affair was reported to the City Attorney, Balderrama reportedly admitted to the affair but minimized the length of it. 

In his statement, the officer said he was actively seeking a change in the department from patrol to another division that would have enabled greater flexibility. 

The change in assignment would have reshaped the officers schedule by freeing up weekends, which would have interfered with Balderrama’s access to his wife. 

It’s been alleged that Balderrama and the department opted for another officer to fill the position – so the chief could continue the affair. 

He previously sent out a memo to officers where he said he planned to ‘own’ his mistakes in an email to the department. 

He wrote: ‘It is so very true that there are two sides to every story, but I do not intend to justify or defend myself regardless of any unknown circumstances.’ 

‘My actions did not meet the standards of who I am as a man of faith, husband, or father.’ 

‘I own my mistakes, they are mine and mine alone to bear, and I will pay for those mistakes for the rest of my life.’

‘My family has been deeply affected by this and I humbly ask for your grace, discretion, and understanding during this difficult time.’

Balderrama posted on X just hours after the investigation became public knowledge, sharing an image with words from the Bible verse Hebrews 13:5. 

The image said: ‘Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you’, which he captioned: ‘We will be okay.’ 

‘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, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said on Tuesday. 

‘I wish Paco and his family the best and thank him for his service to our community.’ 

Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White said that his resignation ‘does not excuse Chief Balderrama’s behavior as it relates to the inappropriate relationship.’ 

In a statement issued by the city Balderrama said it was the ‘right time’ for him to leave the force. 

‘The people of Fresno are beautiful, diverse and very supportive of their police department. Even through my most difficult trials, you have been kind, forgiving, and uplifting,’ he said. 

Thank you for being there for me. The rewarding part of the job has not been the huge responsibility, job stress, or intense work. It has always been the people. I will miss both the Fresno community and every member of the Fresno Police Department.’ 

‘I have no doubt that this group of hard-working and compassionate police officers and professional staff will continue to thrive and do great things. This is the right time for me to step away and focus on my faith and family. I love you,’ Balderrama added. 

His resignation from the Fresno Police Department will be effective on July 25 and the city has started looking for his replacement, according to the city. 

Fox 26 KMPH reported that while on paid leave Balderrama applied for a chief of police position opening in Austin, Texas.

It is not exactly clear when he applied for the new job but the city of Austin started accepting applications in May, prior to news of the alleged affair. 

Balderrama became top cop in 2021, having made history as the first chief of Hispanic descent. 

He was previously the Public Information Officer for the Oklahoma City Police Department and regularly appeared on metro TV throughout the 2000s and 2010s. 

In an editorial by The Lost Stogle, Balderrama reportedly melted the hearts of female news viewers with his TV appearances.