California mayor pens bizarre letter to local paper confessing to stealing from church and attempting suicide over guilt

The mayor of South Lake Tahoe, Tamara Wallace, recently wrote a shocking letter to a local newspaper where she confessed to embezzling funds from her church and revealed a suicide attempt that occurred on her birthday last month, driven by overwhelming guilt. Following her admission, she is now under criminal investigation.

In her letter submitted to the Tahoe Daily Tribune on Sunday, Wallace disclosed that she “took funds from the Presbyterian Church over a significant period” while serving in an administrative capacity.

“Due to these actions, on September 11, 2025, my birthday, I attempted to end my own life. The immense guilt, shame, and sorrow led me to a mental health crisis where suicide appeared to be the only escape,” she expressed in her breathtaking confession.

“By the grace of God, I survived,” the mother of five noted.

Wallace noted that she has been receiving treatment in a mental health facility and is currently undergoing intensive counseling while on medication.

<p“Upon learning about my near-suicide, my family, including my husband, children, and close friends, were left in shock and profound distress. They had no idea about my actions related to the church,” she added.

She justified her theft as being motivated by a desire to help others, including her late son’s three children.

Wallace attributed her suicidal thoughts to a confluence of issues, particularly her grief over her “sins,” past abuse from her father, and the tragic loss of her son, Christopher, who died from fentanyl poisoning.

She chose to attempt suicide on September 11 partly because she “saw and felt the Pentagon explosion” while in the US Congressional offices with her husband, Duane.

The self-described “straight A” student and “dedicated mother” expressed her continued hope to serve her community.

“I have reached out to the church through the Pastor but have yet to receive a response, aside from hearing that the church may pursue charges through the District Attorney’s office,” Wallace commented.

“I have chosen a path of honesty by admitting my wrongdoings,” she said, indicating her desire to face the consequences of her actions without evasion.

“However, this doesn’t absolve us from the earthly repercussions of our deeds. I must repay every cent and accept whatever legal consequences await me,” she stated.

The El Dorado District Attorney’s office has confirmed they will be investigating the alleged embezzlement, as reported by the Daily Tribune.

The Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church acknowledged the “significant offense” and reported the matter to law enforcement, as noted in their public statement.

Wallace was terminated from her role at the church on September 26, according to church representatives.

“She was not a member of our congregation. Our community has endured extensive loss, and as we address this situation, we are committed to prayer, transparency, compassion, and justice,” the church stated.

This revealing admission came after it was disclosed that Mayor Pro Tem Cody Bass was arrested for allegedly assaulting a restaurant employee in Nevada on September 26, at a location from which he had been previously banned, according to the outlet.

Reports indicate that Bass allegedly threatened an employee at an Aleworx restaurant, stating he would have people harm him, according to News4.

He was subsequently taken into custody on misdemeanor charges of assault, trespassing, and making threats, though he was released shortly thereafter.

Bass has publicly denied the allegations, claiming he was the actual victim of an attack by a doorman at the restaurant.

“On the night in question, I was assaulted by the doorman at Aleworx while walking to another establishment for food,” he stated in a post on Facebook.

“I reported the incident to local law enforcement, but despite my account, the deputy chose to arrest me after believing the doorman’s version,” Bass remarked.

He also noted that the District Attorney has since dismissed the assault charges against him.

The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation.

“I will not resign from my City Council position, as I have committed no wrongdoing. I am prepared to undergo the legal process to establish my innocence,” he affirmed.

Currently, both Wallace and Bass continue to hold office.

Sheree Juarez, a spokesperson for the city, informed the SF Standard that both are expected to attend a livestreamed City Council meeting on October 21.

Wallace stated in response to inquiries that her letter would serve as her only comment.

Bass has not yet provided a response to additional requests for comments.

If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or are in crisis, please reach out for assistance. In New York City, you can contact 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential counseling. For those outside the city, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available at 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.