LOS ANGELES — Embattled Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez hoped he might finally make bail Tuesday, after three months in jail following his arrest on corruption charges.

Noguez’s attorneys hoped a change in court rules that took effect at the beginning of the year would allow him to post bail of about $600,000 as opposed to the $1.16 million imposed last year by Superior Court Judge Shelly Torrealba.

But it’s not that simple, according to prosecutors, so no action was taken Tuesday morning. A full hearing on the bail issue was set for Feb. 1. Noguez will remain in jail at least until then.

Even if the sides agree on a lower bail amount, Noguez would still have to prove any money used for his defense was not derived from criminal activity.

Noguez, two other assessor’s office employees and tax consultant Ramin Salari are charged in a wide-ranging scheme in which they allegedly lowered property tax assessments in return for money.  Each has pleaded not guilty.

LOS ANGELES TIMES