South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace has publicly admitted to financial misconduct involving the embezzlement of funds from the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church. In a candid letter to her constituents, the Mayor revealed the personal turmoil and mental health challenges that led to her actions and a subsequent suicide attempt on September 11, coinciding with her birthday.
The Mayor's confession was disclosed in a heartfelt letter, where she detailed the sequence of events that prompted her to seek treatment for a mental health crisis, including an 18-day stay in a medical facility, ongoing therapy, and medication. Wallace, who also functioned as the church's administrator, acknowledged the misappropriation of funds, which she partly attributed to the need to support her late son's children. However, she firmly stated that her personal circumstances did not excuse her actions.
In the aftermath of her suicide attempt, Wallace cooperated with the investigative authorities by providing them with necessary account details, creating a traceable record of the transactions. The El Dorado County District Attorney's Office has confirmed that an investigation is ongoing, although no charges have been filed against her to date.
In her communication, Wallace drew attention to her history of personal trauma, including childhood abuse, the tragic loss of one son to a fentanyl overdose, her eldest son's battle with bone cancer, and her father's declining health. While she connected these personal hardships to her state of mind during the embezzlement and suicide attempt, she reiterated that they did not justify her alleged criminal behavior.
The Mayor's confession is part of her proactive approach to maintain transparency with the South Lake Tahoe community in anticipation of potential media coverage of the story. She expressed a desire for her experience to serve as a deterrent to others from engaging in similar mistakes or contemplating self-harm.
The Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church reported a significant financial loss due to the incident and confirmed that Wallace's employment with them concluded on September 26. Church leaders emphasized their commitment to transparency, justice, and community service in light of these events.
This revelation comes at a time of additional unrest within the city's leadership. Mayor Pro Tem Cody Bass is currently facing misdemeanor charges related to a separate incident, with the city affirming that these matters are being addressed by the relevant authorities and assuring that municipal services remain unaffected.
Mayor Wallace concluded her letter with reflections on her faith and dedication to the community, thanking her family for their support. She committed to leveraging her experience to assist others dealing with trauma or mental health issues, signaling her intent to continue public service despite the investigation.
The proactive disclosure, recognition of wrongdoing, and commitment to restitution by Mayor Wallace provide a unique example of accountability in public office. As the legal implications of her actions remain to be determined, both the city and the church are working to restore balance and accountability while maintaining community stability.
