County officials react swiftly to Noguez stepping aside; Cooley calls case ‘ongoing, multi-faceted and active’

By Brian Hews
4:58 p.m.

Reaction to Los Angeles County Assessor John R. Noguez decision to step aside Friday afternoon has prompted swift responses from Los Angeles County officials, including District Attorney Steve Cooley who is overseeing the current massive criminal probe into the activities of several of assessor employees.

“Assessor Noguez’s decision to step aside allows for a new person to come in and
restore order and integrity to an office that is currently shrouded in a cloud of
uncertainty. His decision is in the best interest of the County, the Assessor’s Office, and
the taxpayers,” remarked Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky.
Yarolslavsky has been one of Noguez biggest personal supporters throughout the years.
“Over the last several weeks, the Los Angeles District Attorney has been investigating very serious allegations made against the County’s Assessor, John Noguez, and other department officials. While this investigation is underway, it is critical that stability is maintained for the Assessor’s office and operations. As such, I am pleased that Mr. Noguez is stepping aside while the DA completes this investigation,” said Supervisor Don Knabe.

“It will have no impact on the criminal investigation being conducted by this office. The investigation is ongoing, multi-faceted and active,” District Attorney Steve Cooley told Los Cerritos Community Newspaper in a statement.
Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said, “This action, and the appointment of an interim director to manage daily operations and functions, begins the process of restoring the public’s confidence and trust in the office.”