Former L.A. appraiser taken into custody

Scott Schenter, who has emerged as a pivotal player in the county assessor scandal, is accused of falsifying documents and unlawfully lowering property values by $172 million. He is also alleged to have secured campaign donations for Assessor John Noguez. All told, 60 felony counts. "The magnitude of Schenter's suspected betrayal of public trust is almost inconceivable," L.A. County District Attorney Steve Cooley said. "We believe his actions are not isolated." From the LAT:

Schenter told The Times last month that he secretly and improperly lowered property values to reduce the owners' tax bills. He said he did it in the hope that the wealthy property owners would donate to Noguez. Schenter also said Noguez offered him a promotion and, along with several top aides, had applied "brutal" pressure to raise campaign funds. Through a spokesman, Noguez has denied offering Schenter a promotion, instructing him to lower the values of the Westside properties or asking him to approach the owners for contributions. Noguez acknowledged, however, that he asked Schenter to "check the status" of some of the properties. He has also admitted asking Schenter to help raise money for his campaign.

Here's The Weekly story.