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LA County Assessor John Noguez Targeted In Corruption Probe

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Investigators Wednesday searched the home and offices of Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez amid allegations that his department was involved in influence-peddling.

KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports at least one neighbor was left stunned after seeing about a dozen investigators at Noguez's residence.

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"It's a shock to see that 'cause he's a really, really nice guy," she said.

Prosecutors are reviewing the assessed values of more than 100 properties that may have been improperly reduced after Noguez was elected.

Former employee Scott Shenter, who reportedly told the Los Angeles Times he cut the property values of wealthy homeowners in the hopes they would make campaign contributions to Noguez, was also under investigation.

Dave Demerjian, head of the district attorney's public integrity unit, said the two warrants served at 12 locations were aimed at uncovering "documents and perhaps information taken from computers as well."

A spokesman for the assessor's office said Noguez is in Mexico mourning the death of his father and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

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