South Lake Tahoe church seeks donations after $360K theft linked to ex-mayor

The Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church is seeking donations after former South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace openly admitting to stealing money while working as its bookkeeper.

The Rev. Dr. Greg Hughes said preliminary estimates show Wallace stole more than $360,000 since she began working at the church in around 2018. The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the theft following Wallace’s confession, which she wrote in a letter published earlier this month by two local news organizations.

Hughes previously said the theft depleted its accounts for money devoted for a children’s fund and ministries in other countries. Wallace resigned from the mayorship Oct. 13.

“Our church has long been a sanctuary — offering hope, comfort, and strength to all who enter its doors,” the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church wrote on social media. “Yet recently, we faced an unexpected hardship: our account, built through years of generosity, was depleted by theft. Though shaken, our spirit remains strong, united by faith and the love that binds us together.”

Residents can text “Restore” to 530-201-3555 and follow the prompts to donate, according to its message. The money helps to keep its doors open, fund church programs and mends the spirit of its congregation, the church wrote.

“No setback can extinguish the light of faith,” the church wrote. “With your help, we will restore what has been taken, renew our mission, and continue to be a beacon of hope.”

On Tuesday, the City Council appointed Mayor Pro Tem Cody Bass to serve as mayor until December.

The City Council has faced scrutiny after Bass was arrested in connection to a September verbal and physical fight at Lake Tahoe AleWorx, a brewpub in Stateline, Nevada. Accusations against him were made public the same week as Wallace’s confession.

This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 12:50 PM.