UPDATE: Residents of South Lake Tahoe have just issued a powerful open letter to District Attorney Vern Pierson, demanding immediate action in the escalating Tamara Wallace scandal. The public outcry comes as the scandal gains national attention, highlighting a troubling history of corruption within local governance.
In the letter, undersigned citizens express their outrage over the alleged embezzlement of over $360,000 from the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church, funds intended for vital local and global ministries. This theft follows a troubling precedent: Wallace confessed to stealing $122,000 in 2006 but faced no criminal charges, allowing her to rise to public office.
The residents’ letter outlines a deep-seated frustration with a judicial system that appears to protect the corrupt while leaving citizens vulnerable. “This is not justice deferred; it is justice denied, and it demands your uncompromising action,” they state, emphasizing the emotional toll this has taken on the community.
On October 21, 2025, the council appointed Cody Bass as interim mayor despite his own legal troubles, including a recent arrest for misdemeanor trespassing and harassment. This move has further fueled residents’ anger, as they see it as emblematic of a system that fosters impunity.
The letter calls for immediate and decisive actions from Pierson, including the prosecution of Wallace for her 2025 embezzlement and the aggregation of her past thefts. They demand no plea deals, insisting that a jury should determine her fate. The residents also request the appointment of an independent special prosecutor to investigate potential biases in the case, urging State Attorney General Rob Bonta to oversee the process.
The emotional weight of their plea is palpable: “The Lake Tahoe Community deserves a DA who enforces the law, not one who turns a blind eye to corruption.” The letter serves as a rallying cry for local residents, who feel their trust in public institutions has been irrevocably shattered.
As the nation watches, the community calls for systemic reforms, including mandatory criminal background checks for public office candidates and expedited restitution funds for victims like the church.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. The residents demand that Pierson publicly commit to these actions, as they seek justice for their community and accountability for those in power.
Next Steps: All eyes are now on District Attorney Vern Pierson as he faces mounting pressure to respond. Will he take the necessary steps to restore faith in the judicial system? The Lake Tahoe community and the nation await his answer.
