A mayor revealed that she attempted suicide after stealing funds from a local church for an extended period of time.
Mayor Tamara Wallace of South Lake Tahoe, California, wrote a public confession published yesterday by South Tahoe Now and the Tahoe Daily Tribune.
Wallace disclosed in a letter to media outlets that she had taken funds from the Presbyterian Church over a significant period. She mentioned that, because of this, she tried to end her life on her birthday, September 11, 2025.
For her safety, Wallace has spent 18 days in a mental health facility, receiving treatment through medication and participating in intensive individual and group therapy sessions.
The mayor, who was a part-time administrator of the church, wrote that she turned herself in.
‘I was not caught; rather, I turned myself in. While still in the hospital, I provided the Church with a list of account numbers and passwords to ensure my actions were thoroughly discovered,’ she explained.
In the message, Wallace rationalized the funds she embezzled from the church, claiming she used ‘most of those funds to assist others, such as my late son’s three children.’
She also stated that she suffered years of childhood sexual abuse, and her own health struggles contributed.
Mayor Tamara Wallace of South Lake Tahoe, California, wrote a public confession published yesterday
Wallace admitted in her letter to misappropriating funds from the Presbyterian Church over a long duration and attempting suicide (Her husband Duane).
However, she added that these are in no way an excuse for her actions.
She noted, ‘As a city council member, I have faced numerous death threats (mostly anonymous) and personal insults, even regarding my son’s tragic demise.’
‘My husband has come very close to passing away three times over the past five years.
‘Still, these things may be reasons, but not an excuse for my behavior. There is no excuse.’
Wallace noted that she was willingly ready to face the consequences for her actions. ‘I must repay every cent and accept whatever punishment comes to me.’
The public official explained why she shared her story with the public: ‘I have heard that someone told the Tribune that they now have a reporter trying to get a story.’
‘Here it is… rather than being like many public servants and individuals who try to lie, hide, and delay the consequences of something they have done, I am taking a different path. I am telling the truth and admitting what I have done.’
She added in her letter that no one in her family knew about her actions and that her loved ones were ‘in shock and extreme anguish.’
The mayor claims she was going to turn herself in and prepared all evidence prior
She added in her letter that no one in her family knew about her actions
Wallace is married to her husband, Duane, and has three sons and a daughter.
‘Sorry is not a strong enough word to explain the depths of my regret and shame. I do not think anyone can be as angry at me as I am at myself,’ Wallace apologized towards the end of her letter.
It is unclear how much money the mayor stole.
Sheree Juarez, a spokesperson for the City of South Lake Tahoe, said: ‘The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office is handling this matter, and therefore we have limited information about the investigation.’
‘The City is in no fiscal harm from this situation and continues to provide essential services to our residents. We have no further comment at this time,” reportedly by the San Francisco Chronicle.
Wallace has served on the South Lake Tahoe City Council since 2018 and previously served as mayor in 2021.
She was re-elected as mayor in December 2024, and her term ends in November 2026, according to the outlet.
