California Mayor Investigated for Embezzlement and Suicide Attempt

The mayor of South Lake Tahoe, Tamara Wallace, is under investigation following the release of a troubling letter to a local newspaper. In this letter, she confessed to embezzling funds from a church and revealed that she attempted suicide on her birthday last month due to overwhelming guilt.

In her statement to the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Wallace admitted to receiving church funds over a prolonged period during her time as an administrator.

“On my birthday, September 11, 2025, I attempted to end my life. I was filled with guilt, shame, and sadness, and I experienced a mental health crisis where suicide seemed like the only option,” she wrote.

Wallace expressed gratitude for surviving, stating, “It is only by the grace of God that I failed.” She has since been admitted to a mental health facility for treatment.

She shared that her close family and friends were shocked by her actions and unawareness of her mishandling of church funds. Interestingly, she claimed that the money was taken to support “other people,” including her late son’s three children.

Wallace attributed her mental state to several factors: profound grief over her actions, past abuse from her father, and the tragic drug-related death of her son Christopher.

She also mentioned a specific link between her suicide attempt and the traumatic memory of witnessing the Pentagon explosion on September 11, 2001, while at the Capitol with her husband, Duane.

Despite the turmoil, she intends to continue serving the city. “I have reached out to the church through my pastor, but I haven’t heard back yet, only that the church might pursue legal action,” she added.

Wallace acknowledged the reality of her actions, stating, “I have to pay back every penny and accept whatever punishment comes my way.”

Meanwhile, scrutiny also surrounds Mayor Pro Tem Kody Bass, who was arrested on September 26 for allegedly harassing a restaurant worker in Nevada. Reports claim he made threats towards the employee.

Bass is facing charges of misdemeanor assault, trespassing, and harassment but was released shortly after his arrest. He has since denied the allegations, suggesting that he was assaulted by a doorman instead.

Despite the scandals, both Wallace and Bass plan to participate in an upcoming City Council meeting, which will be livestreamed on October 21.

As for Wallace, she remarked that her letter would serve as her only comment on the situation for now. Bass did not reply to requests for his perspective.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or mental health crises, resources are available for support and guidance.