San Fernando police chief being investigated over alleged affair with cadet
San Fernando Police Chief Anthony Ruelas was on administrative leave Monday as the city looked into allegations that a former cadet was terminated to silence her affair with the top cop.
Former cadet Maria Barajas, 22, made the allegations in a letter sent last month to the City Council, Interim City Manager Al Hernandez said.
The letter alleges that Ruelas started an affair with Barajas in 2009 when he was a lieutenant. Barajas alleges she was pressured to resign a few months later as Ruelas began campaiging for the top job.
When Barajas refused, she alleged she was terminated anyway in connection with a car accident involving herself and two other cadets.
Ruelas, 48, is a married father of three. He was placed on admininstrative leave Thursday while the city looks into the former cadet's allegations, Hernandez said.
The letter includes other details of the alleged affair, he said, adding that Barajas doesn't have a lawyer. City Hall had buzzed with rumors of an affair, the interim administrator said, but "nothing had come forth on it until now."
Lt. Robert Jacobs is in charge of the police force during Ruelas' absence, Hernandez said.
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EDITOR'S PICKS:
GOT to respect them officers now don'tcha?
Respect...Respect...Respect
Posted by: Boo Boo | February 14, 2011 at 02:32 PM
You mean all that stuff we see on "Southland" is real?
Posted by: cmarrou | February 14, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Shady business within the police department? I am shocked!!
Posted by: Authentic Angeleno | February 14, 2011 at 02:53 PM
Johnny on the spot with this story LA Times. The Daily News did this column a month ago.
And you wonder why your company is dying a slow death.
Posted by: u know | February 14, 2011 at 06:43 PM
This guy puts the bad in badge.
Posted by: Dave Smith | February 14, 2011 at 07:04 PM
That chief is friggin ugly anyway.....
Posted by: candy | February 14, 2011 at 07:32 PM
Most bullies in the office are women. So what if one woman experienced discrimination. Women in the office discriminate more than men.
Posted by: phoenixandrew | February 14, 2011 at 10:59 PM
deport them a.s.a.p...
Posted by: pichinguito | February 15, 2011 at 08:29 PM
MARIA BARAJAS needs a good attorney like Gloria Alred. I hope she can find this girl and take her case.
Posted by: c | February 15, 2011 at 09:40 PM