Assessor John Noguez To Stay Behind Bars; Accused Of Leading A "Double Life"
Categories: Politics
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| John Noguez |
Noguez was arrested last week on 24 counts, including bribery and conspiracy, stemming from allegations that he used his position to give tax breaks to clients of Ramin Salari. Salari, who was also arrested, is accused of giving Noguez a $185,000 bribe.
In court today, Judge Shelly Torrealba lowered Noguez's bail from $1.385 million to $1.16 million. Noguez seems to be unable to afford that amount. His attorney, Michael Proctor, had asked that bail be lowered to $100,000.
Salari's bail was also lowered to $1.16 million. He was expected to post bail as early as this evening.
In a bail motion, prosecutors allege that Noguez leads a "double life," and that he poses a flight risk.
They note that Noguez's given name was Juan Rodriguez, though he has gone by John Noguez throughout his political career. They also point out that Noguez, who is gay, is married to a woman named Lilliana Guerrero. Noguez also has family ties in Mexico, which prosecutors say makes him more likely to flee.
Noguez, Salari and co-defendant Mark McNeil are due back in court on Nov. 7.
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