Los Cerritos Community Newspaper released an additional 134 key emails between embattled Los Angeles County Assessor John R. Noguez and several property tax agents who represent some of the most exclusive real estate properties in Southern California, Publisher Brian Hews announced.
The emails were obtained by LCCN through a series of public document requests. This is the second set of documents published by the community newspaper that has been at the forefront of reporting and exposing the alleged “pay to play” activities between tax agents and Noguez for the past two years.
Hews said that his publication will be posting the new revealing documents at www.loscerritosnews.net on Friday, June 22 beginning at 10 a.m. PST.
Noguez has taken a taxpayer paid leave of absence as Assessor of Los Angeles County so he can devote more time to the massive criminal probe that has already resulted in the arrest of one his close allies and former property appraiser, Scott Schenter.
Los Cerritos Community Newspaper was the first media outlet in Southern California to report on the massive probe back in early February.
“The public deserves to see the complete documents and emails that outline how much outside influence controls the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office,” Hews said.
“We are committed to providing 100% accuracy in our coverage into the activities of the Los Angeles County Assessor’s office, and we have dedicated thousands of hours of time in our series of articles on the current probe,” Hews said.
For media inquiries, please contact Los Cerritos Community Newspaper Reporter Randy Economy at 562 407 3873.
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Regarding McNeil’s snide email on page 43: After Noguez was sworn in, one of the email’s recipients, Eric Haagenson, was promoted and made the “rock star’s” direct supervisor. She was transferred out and McNeil was given her position. If that isn’t retaliation, what is?
Noguez was elected in November 2010. What was his assignment before that? Was he some kind of broker or something? He seems to have been involved with a lot of BIG property owners, like he knew them personally. Afterwards, he was their secretary!
Tax Agents contacting the Elected Assessor is unnecessary unless the agents are expecting special service. Imagine if you hired one of these guys and your taxes are restored a few years later and you owe money.
Compare the people in these emails to the campaign donation list. Is it legal to donate to your boss and get promoted?
Hi Barry,
Thanks for the comment. We have the donation list (given to us in Feb 2012) and yes many of the donors owned large properties. Also over 30 assessors inside the office gave money to the Noguez campaign. Pay to play politics!
The donation list is public record for the whole world to see, via the LA County Registrar-Recorder /County Clerk website. “Search Contributions” at https://efs.lacounty.gov/public_search.cfm then by candidate on the right… or more at lavote.net.
That’s a great link. I checked names. Everyone I checked from the emails is there. Some of their companies showed multiple donors. The assessor’s office is technical, not driven by political ideology. Logically, the only reason to donate to the assessor is to gain special access to him.
Just to clarify, my comments above – Let’s say that I hired an agent like Salari or any of those tax agents in the emails. He wins me a tax refund. My refund is audited because I hired a Noguez donor, and it is shown to be too much. My assessment could be reversed and I must return the refund. – Right?
How unethical!!!!!!!
John Noguez meets tax agents, party with them, inviting politicians to Salari’s home, going out for dinner. How was it possible?
This is against CODE OF ETHICS
John Noguez was breaking these CODES and his superiors (even before he became the Assessor) closed their eyes.
JAIL ONLY THE ANSWER!!!
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