South Lake Tahoe mayors face legal consequences for harassment and fraud

Two former or current mayors of South Lake Tahoe are facing legal consequences for separate criminal matters.

Cody Bass, the current mayor, was sentenced to 45 days in Douglas County jail following a misdemeanor harassment charge stemming from a September 2025 altercation with a bouncer at Stateline AleWorx. Judge Richard Glasson suspended 35 days of the sentence for two years, contingent on release conditions, and imposed a $1,127 fine. The victim, Bob Hoyopatubbi, testified that the harassment had caused personal distress and resulted in his loss of employment.

Former mayor Tamara Wallace has been charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that between April 2019 and September 2025, Wallace embezzled approximately $390,000 from the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church while serving as its bookkeeper. The funds, which were allegedly used for personal travel and rent, were disguised as reimbursements. Wallace faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.