Embattled Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama applied for the head position of the Austin, Texas police department, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Balderrama, Fresno chief since Jan. 2021, is on paid administrative leave as the city investigates allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with a non-city employee. Media reports said Balderrama had an alleged two-year affair with the wife of a police officer under his command.

Fresno City Manager Georgeanne White placed Balderrama on leave on June 12. The move came hours after Balderrama answered questions from the city council about the budget, followed by a tense impromptu news conference with reporters.

Related Story: Arias Asks the Big Question: Is Benching Chief Balderrama About Race?

Balderrama Is One of 32 Austin Applicants

The Texas capital city — with a population of just under 1 million — accepted applications between May 15 and June 10. It is unclear when Balderrama turned in his application.

Balderrama is one of 32 applicants, the newspaper reported, and not the only one with baggage. For example, the former chief of the Montgomery, Alabama department resigned after a sexual discrimination charge. The former Seattle, Washington chief faced misconduct charges.

Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax makes the hiring decisions. The city is also using a recruiting service, Mosaic Public Partners.

The department is led by interim Chief Robin Henderson, who took over last year when former Chief Joseph Chacon retired. Neither Henderson nor others on Austin’s police leadership team applied for the job.

Austin officials said in a news release that the field would be narrowed to an undetermined amount, with interviews scheduled for July. The city council would vote on confirmation of the finalist.

Related Story: Fresno Police Union: Members Feel Betrayed, Trust Lost in Chief Balderrama