South Lake Tahoe city councilwoman said to be public official involved in alleged pot shop bribe

UPDATE 5:44PM: The City of South Lake Tahoe released this statement from City Councilwoman Angela Swanson on Sunday night: She is being investigated in an alleged bribery case involving former City of Angels II owner Gino DiMatteo.

Councilmember Angela Swanson issued the following statement today to the City Manager’s Office and asked that it be released to the public:

“I have been advised by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s office that I am involved in their investigation into the activities of Gino DiMatteo. Mr. DiMatteo has been arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale and attempted bribery of a public official.

The revelation that I may be caught up some how in the investigation of Mr. DiMatteo came as a shock and an affront to me. I am proud of the reputation for honesty and integrity that I have established in both my private and public life. It is a privilege to be entrusted with the public’s faith in my integrity and ability as a public official. I have not done anything to intentionally betray that trust. I have cooperated in the District Attorney’s investigation and I will continue to do everything I can to assist the investigation until the matter is concluded.

During this time I will continue to fulfill my duties to this community as a member of the South Lake Tahoe City Council. I may temporarily step aside from some specific council assignments to ensure that activities vital to our community, which I have spearheaded, maintain their momentum. In accordance with my ethical and legal obligations I will also recuse myself from all council items dealing in any manner with Mr. DiMatteo, medical marijuana or any other aspect of the District Attorney’s investigation.

Due to the sensitive nature of matter, this will be my only statement on the subject. “

3:25PM: A South Lake Tahoe City Council member was allegedly bribed by former City of Angels II owner Gino DiMatteo.
Councilwoman Angela Swanson is reportedly the public official that was allegedly bribed by DiMatteo, according to a source who would speak only on condition of anonymity.
DiMatteo was arrested on August 31 and faces felony charges of bribing a public official and possession of drugs for sale.
The El Dorado County District Attorney's Office is not commenting on the matter at this time. However, the information about the alleged crimes will be addressed on Tuesday during the meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council, the source said.