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1 month ago
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A California police chief who resigned over an alleged affair he had with his officer's wife has launched his own consulting firm.
Former Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama, 47, was outed in June by city officials for being investigated over the alleged relationship with a non-city employee.
Balderrama, who is married to his wife Kayla and has three children, later resigned over the matter after being placed on administrative leave.
One day before his official last day in his post, he filed papers with the California Secretary of State to create El Matador Consulting LLC, according to GV Wire.
He listed his home address in Madera County as the business location and added his position as CEO/Founder to his LinkedIn page.
Balderrama, 47, was outed in June by city officials for being investigated over the alleged relationship with a non-city employee
Balderrama, who is married to his wife Kayla and has three children, later resigned over the matter after being placed on administrative leave
It was previously claimed Balderrama used his position to manipulate the career of his colleague Jordan Wamhoff, whose wife he is accused of having an affair with.
Sources claimed that Balderrama used his position as chief to interfere with Wamhoff's career, in order to create opportunities to spend time with his wife.
The Fresno Bee reported that after Wamhoff learned of the affair he contacted city officials and outlined demands that would halt him from filing a lawsuit.
According to the outlet, this including the firing of Balderrama and a new flexible work schedule for him.
The outlet saw the text message he sent to officials which called for his sacking within 30 days, offering to sign a non-disclosure agreement if the city agreed.
Wamhoff, who is also the District 1 representative on the Madera County Board of Supervisors, has been an officer for over a decade.
He also previously served as vice president of the Fresno Police Officers Association, the local police union that represents rank and file officers.
It was previously claimed Balderrama used his position to manipulate the career of his colleague Jordan Wamhoff, whose wife he is accused of having an affair with
In a statement from Wamhoff earlier this year, he claimed that Balderrama initiated a two-year affair from August 2021 which ended upon discovery in 2023.
After the alleged affair was reported to the City Attorney, Balderrama reportedly admitted to the affair but minimized the length of it.
After the affair first came to light, Balderrama said in a memo to officers that 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.
It is alleged that Balderrama and the department opted for another officer to fill the position - so the chief could continue the affair
Balderrama is alleged to have initiated a two-year affair from August 2021 which ended upon discovery in 2023
'My family has been deeply affected by this and I humbly ask for your grace, discretion, and understanding during this difficult time.'
He went on to ask for forgiveness from the department's staff members, saying he understands if they are 'upset and disappointed'.
When interviewed by the press Balderrama appeared to make a shocking claim when he hinted his wife Kyla had forgiven him.
'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.'
The father-of-three said he had been told not to talk about the ongoing investigation, but proceeded to speak to reporters anyway.
'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.
When interviewed by the press Balderrama appeared to make a shocking claim when he hinted his wife Kyla had forgiven him
Fox 26 KMPH reported that while on paid leave Balderrama applied for a Chief of Police position opening in Austin, Texas
'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".'
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.
An editorial by The Lost Stogle claimed Balderrama melted the hearts of female news viewers with his TV appearances.
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