Comedian Carlos Mencia has acknowledged his tax issues, stating directly to The California Post, "All I did was not pay my taxes." Mencia faces 12 felony charges related to allegations of tax fraud totaling over $8 million.
Mencia, who was arrested on Father's Day weekend, faces charges for allegedly failing to file taxes for the years 2019 through 2024. The California Franchise Tax Board reportedly sent 78 demand notices to his residence. Investigators seized boxes, sealed cases, and electronics from Mencia's property as part of the investigation.
During a court hearing Tuesday, Mencia's attorney, Dana Cole, argued that the comedian should be permitted to list his Los Angeles estate to help satisfy his tax bill, which exceeds $300,000. Judge Alicia Blanco approved Mencia's request to list his Encino mansion, valued at over $4.5 million, and allowed $100,000 to be withdrawn from his CitiBank account for living expenses and legal fees.
Mencia also requested the return of his phones and computers, which were seized during the investigation. It was also revealed that Mencia has approximately $150,000 in escrow in Oregon, and both he and his wife have had their driver's licenses suspended by the California Franchise Tax Board.
Mencia's case marks the first arrest made by District Attorney Nathan Hochman's newly formed Business Tax Fraud Unit. "At the end of the day we are going to take care of this. It’s how we got there that’s a little painful from a psychological and physical standpoint. They got what they wanted, they got the attention to this issue from me, so it is what it is," Mencia told The Post.
The comedian noted that the arrest has become material for his stand-up routine. He is scheduled for two performances in Las Vegas this week. Mencia is expected back in court on August 14th.