LA County Assessor John Noguez Pleads Not Guilty To Felony Charges

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez and a campaign contributor have pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony charges of misappropriation of public funds and other counts.

Noguez and Ramin Salari were ordered to remain jailed on nearly $1.4 million bail pending a bail review hearing Monday.

Noguez, 47, and Salari, a tax consultant were arrested on bribery and corruption charges amid allegations that some property owners in the city of Los Angeles were receiving favorable tax assessments in exchange for political support.

A third defendant, Mark McNeil, was also arrested, but has been released after posting $1.1 million bail. McNeil is scheduled to appear in court next month.

»RELATED STORY: County Assessor John Noguez, 2 Others Arrested In Corruption Investigation