Placerville, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2025) — In a significant development in the growing scandal surrounding South Lake Tahoe’s mayoral office, former Mayor Tamara Wallace announced Wednesday that she has retained Steven C. Bailey, a Placerville-based criminal defense attorney and former El Dorado County Superior Court judge, to represent her in a pending criminal matter under investigation by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.
According to public statements, Bailey’s appointment marks a strategic shift in Wallace’s legal posture as the case continues to evolve. Though the underlying allegations relate to events in South Lake Tahoe, legal observers say the likely venue for prosecution will be in Placerville, within El Dorado County.
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Bailey is widely known in the region for his prior tenure on the bench; he retired from the El Dorado County Superior Court on Aug. 31, 2017. Before returning to private practice, Bailey also made a run for California Attorney General in 2018. In a press release announcing the hire, Wallace emphasized that Bailey’s experience in high-stakes, complex criminal matters — including federal cases, homicides, death penalty cases, and white collar defenses — equips him to handle the breadth of issues now confronting her.
The district attorney’s office has not publicly confirmed specific charges or a timeline, only that a criminal investigation is ongoing. The uncertainty has sparked speculation among local attorneys and media about the nature of the allegations and how aggressively the D.A. may pursue them. Some legal analysts say retaining a high-profile counsel like Bailey suggests Wallace believes the case has escalated beyond preliminary inquiry.
When asked about why she chose Bailey, Wallace said in her statement,
“I am committed to mounting a vigorous defense and protecting my rights at every stage of this process.”
She also indicated that her team expects pretrial motions and venue disputes to play a major role as the case proceeds.
For El Dorado County, the affair brings renewed public scrutiny to the D.A.’s practices and decision-making. Local officials and residents are watching closely, particularly given the high profile nature of the parties and the possibility of politically sensitive implications for the Tahoe region.
As the investigation advances, key dates to watch include the filing of any formal charges, the scheduling of arraignment, and motions regarding venue and disclosure. Meanwhile, Wallace’s announcement of high-powered legal counsel signals she intends to contest aggressively whatever claims come next.
