Matthew Wilson
A California mayor has unburdened her soul and admitted to white collar crime in the process. In a strange letter released to a local newspaper, the elected official confessed to embezzling funds from a church.
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The guilt became too much and led to a suicide attempt on her birthday in September. Now, she’s coming clean about it all.
In a letter to the Tahoe Daily Tribune, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace confessed to taking funds from “the Presbyterian Church over an extended period.” Wallace worked as an administrator for the church in addition to her work as the city mayor.
- “Because of this, on September 11, 2025, my birthday, I tried to end my life. I was so filled with guilt, shame, and grief that I experienced a mental health crisis that made suicide seem to be the best solution,” Wallace wrote. “It was only by the grace of God that I failed.”
- “My husband, children, extended family members, and close friends were in shock and extreme anguish as they found out I had almost succeeded in taking my life. No one had any idea what I had done to the church,” she continued.
- According to the mayor, she also said alleged abuse by her father and the loss of her son, Christopher, affected her mentally. Since then, she’s sought help at a mental health facility.
Mayor Being Investigated
Despite confessing to embezzlement, Wallace wants to make things right. But she’s opened herself up to a criminal investigation. The church hasn’t responded to her calls for atonement.
- “I have been reaching out to the church through the Pastor. I have not heard back yet, other than hearing second-hand that the church may seek charges through the District Attorney,” Wallace said.
- “I am taking a different path. I am telling the truth and admitting what I have done,” she wrote. “But that does not free us from the earthly consequences of our actions. I must repay every cent and accept whatever punishment comes to me.”
The El Dorado District Attorney’s office confirmed that it is pursuing an investigation. Meanwhile, the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church confirmed that they have terminated Wallace on September 26. They then contacted law enforcement.
“She did not attend our church, nor was she a member. Our congregation has suffered extensive loss, and as we address this loss and its impact, we remain committed to prayer, compassion, transparency, and justice,” the church said.
