A California mayor penned a weird letter to an area paper admitting to embezzling funds from her church and making an attempt suicide on her birthday final month over her all-consuming guilt — and has since been positioned beneath prison investigation.
South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace submitted a letter to the Tahoe Day by day Tribune on Sunday, writing that she “took funds from the Presbyterian Church over an prolonged interval,” whereas serving as an administrator, in keeping with the outlet.
“Due to this, on September 11, 2025, my birthday, I attempted to finish my life. I used to be so stuffed with guilt, disgrace, and grief that I skilled a psychological well being disaster that made suicide appear to be the most effective resolution,” Wallace wrote within the gorgeous letter of admission.
“It was solely by the grace of God that I failed,” the mom of 5 added.
Since then, the lawmaker mentioned she has been in a psychological well being facility and is now taking treatment whereas in intense all-day counseling periods.
“My husband, kids, prolonged members of the family, and shut pals had been in shock and excessive anguish as they came upon I had virtually succeeded in taking my life. Nobody had any concept what I had finished to the church,” she continued.
She pulled off the theft to assist “others,” together with her late son’s three kids, she claimed.
Wallace mentioned she turned in the direction of suicide for a mix of things, together with her immense grief over her “sins,” alleged abuse she suffered by the hands of her father, which included being drugged, and dropping her son, Christopher, to fentanyl poisoning.
She selected to finish her life on Sept. 11, partly as a result of she “noticed and felt the Pentagon explosion” whereas on the fourth ground of the US Congressional workplaces together with her husband, Duane, she defined.
The mayor — and self-described “straight A” scholar and “hard-working mom” — mentioned she nonetheless hopes to dedicate her life to her city.
“I’ve been reaching out to the church by means of the Pastor. I’ve not heard again but, aside from listening to second-hand that the church could search prices by means of the District Legal professional,” Wallace mentioned.
“I’m taking a distinct path. I’m telling the reality and admitting what I’ve finished,” she wrote, stating she wished to not “lie, disguise, and delay” any penalties for her actions.
“However that doesn’t free us from the earthly penalties of our actions. I have to repay each cent and settle for no matter punishment involves me,” Wallace mentioned.
The El Dorado District Legal professional’s workplace will likely be investigating the alleged embezzlement, a staffer informed the Day by day Tribune.
The Lake Tahoe Neighborhood Presbyterian Church confirmed that they found the “vital offense” and instantly knowledgeable regulation enforcement in a press release to the outlet.
Wallace’s employment on the home of worship was terminated on Sept. 26, the church mentioned.
“She didn’t attend our church nor was she a member. Our congregation has suffered intensive loss, and as we tackle this loss and its affect, we stay dedicated to prayer, compassion, transparency, and justice,” the church mentioned.
Wallace’s regarding admission got here after South Lake Tahoe Mayor Professional Tem Cody Bass — who crammed in throughout Wallace’s absence — was arrested for allegedly assaulting a restaurant worker in Nevada on Sept. 26, in an institution the place he had beforehand been banned, the outlet reported.
Bass allegedly approached an worker at an Aleworx and informed him “he was going to have individuals kill him,” News4 reported.
He was arrested and booked on misdemeanor prices of assault, trespassing, and threats/harassment, then launched from custody hours later.
The mayor professional tem has since launched a press release denying the accusations towards him, saying he had really been assaulted by a doorman on the restaurant.
“On the night in query, I used to be assaulted for the second time by the doorman at Aleworx on the sidewalk in entrance of AleWorx whereas I used to be strolling to Fortunate Beaver to get some meals,” he wrote in a Fb Submit on Tuesday.
“I reported the assault to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Workplace. Regardless of my testimony, the deputy selected to position me beneath a citizen’s arrest, accepting the doorman’s account over mine,” Bass mentioned.
He additionally claimed the District Legal professional has since dropped assault prices towards him.
The Douglas County District Legal professional’s Workplace didn’t instantly reply to The Submit’s request for remark.
“I’ll completely not be stepping down from my place on the Metropolis Council, as I’ve finished nothing improper. I’m dedicated to going by means of the due course of to show my innocence,” he mentioned.
As of now, each Wallace and Bass stay in workplace.
Sheree Juarez, a spokesperson for the town, informed the SF Customary that each officers plan to attend a livestreamed Metropolis Council assembly on Oct. 21.
When reached by The Submit, Wallace mentioned, “My letter will likely be my solely remark.”
Bass didn’t reply to a request for remark.
In case you are scuffling with suicidal ideas or are experiencing a psychological well being disaster and reside in New York Metropolis, you possibly can name 1-888-NYC-WELL totally free and confidential disaster counseling. In the event you reside exterior the 5 boroughs, you possibly can dial the 24/7 Nationwide Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
