Los Angeles County Assessor John Noguez has faced a number of issues since his release from jail on his $1.16 million Los Angeles County bail bond. According to Southern California Public Radio, prosecutors charged Noguez with 11 new counts of misappropriating public funds by allegedly lowering tax bills for campaign contributors, which brings the cumulative total of his felony charges to 30. As previously reported, the local government official was arrested on October 17, 2012, along with California tax consultant Ramin Salari for allegedly accepting money from Salari to help his wealthy clients lower tax rates. Investigators are still attempting to determine the exact amount of money Noguez accepted from Salari, although it is estimated to be at least $185,000.

Noguez was originally unable to post his bail due to the fact that the judge stated he had to prove that the money he would put toward the bail payment was obtained legally.

Friends joined together to support Noguez
Friends and community members of Noguez went to various lengths to attempt to bail him out of prison; last December, a group of them organized the Friends of John Noguez. The organization attempted to raise money for his bail, and stated that it was a reflection of one of his favorite hobbies prior to his arrest, which was allegedly hosting birthday parties that doubled as fundraisers, according to The Associated Press.

In an email to other supporters, the group's organizers encouraged people to get involved to help out their cause, according to the Whittier Daily News.

"Now more than ever, John needs your support and we are asking you on his behalf," the email stated. "We are still raising money to make his bail so that he can be at home to care for his three precious dachshunds, visit his ailing mother, and spend time with family and friends as he moves forward with his legal case."

District Attorney Steve Coole told the Pasadena Star-News that Noguez's case is one of the worst he's seen.

"I was born and raised in Los Angeles County," he said. "I've [worked] in this office for nearly four decades. This particular case, from what I know about it, strikes me as the largest and most significant public corruption case in terms of county government during that time frame."

Southern California Public Radio reported that Salari is currently facing 59 counts and principal assessor Mark McNeil currently has 20 charges against him. All three defendants are free on bail until their June 26 hearing.