No bail deal: L.A. County Assessor John Noguez remains in jail

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.

ALSO:

Coroner to assess body that nurse allegedly had sex with

Manti Te'o hoax: Woman in photos calls ruse 'twisted, confusing'

On Roe vs. Wade 40th anniversary, an anti-abortion protest in O.C.

-- Jack Dolan

Photo: Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez in court in October 2012. Credit: Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times