For the first time in South Lake Tahoe’s history, the California city has been shaken by a mayor admitting to alleged financial misconduct.
Mayor Tamara Wallace publicly confessed to taking funds from the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church and revealed that the guilt from her actions led her to attempt suicide on Sept. 11, her birthday.
According to The Daily Caller, Wallace disclosed the confession in a letter to residents, emphasizing that she has been receiving treatment for a mental health crisis, including 18 days in a facility, ongoing therapy and prescribed medication.
Wallace acknowledged that she misappropriated the church’s funds while serving as its administrator.
She explained that part of the money was used to support her late son’s three children but stressed that personal reasons did not excuse her actions.
To assist investigators, Wallace provided the church with account numbers and passwords following her suicide attempt, creating a documented trail of the transactions.
The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office confirmed an ongoing investigation, though no formal charges have been filed.
In her letter, Wallace outlined personal trauma and loss she said contributed to her behavior.
She cited childhood abuse, the death of one son from fentanyl, her eldest son’s battle with bone cancer and her father’s health decline.
While connecting these experiences to her mental state at the time of the theft and suicide attempt, Wallace made clear that personal hardships did not justify her alleged crimes, according to KTVU.
The mayor emphasized accountability and restitution.
“I must repay every cent and accept whatever punishment comes to me,” she wrote.
Wallace framed her confession as a proactive effort to be transparent with the community before news outlets reported the story.
She added that she hopes her experience will help prevent others from making similar mistakes or attempting self-harm.
The Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church said the congregation suffered a significant financial loss and confirmed Wallace’s employment ended on Sept. 26.
Church officials stressed their ongoing commitment to transparency, justice and serving the community despite the incident.
The mayor’s confession comes amid additional turmoil in city leadership.
Mayor Pro Tem Cody Bass faces misdemeanor charges of trespassing and harassment related to a Nevada bar incident on Sept 25.
Bass denies wrongdoing, and his arraignment is scheduled for Dec 22.
City officials emphasized that both matters are being handled by the appropriate law enforcement authorities and that municipal services continue uninterrupted.
Wallace concluded her letter by reflecting on her faith and dedication to the community.
She expressed gratitude to her family for their support and pledged to use her experience to aid others facing trauma or mental health challenges.
Emphasizing transparency, restitution and continued community service, Wallace signaled that her public role is far from over despite the ongoing investigation.
Her letter paints a portrait of a public official confronting personal failure and attempting to turn a painful chapter into a cautionary story.
While legal consequences remain uncertain, Wallace’s proactive disclosure, acknowledgment of wrongdoing and commitment to restitution set her apart from many in similar circumstances.
The city and church continue to navigate the aftermath, balancing accountability with community stability.
