Attorneys for comedian Carlos Mencia are demanding his immediate release from jail, criticizing the tactics used in his arrest for a tax fraud case as an "absurd show of force." Mencia, 57, was arrested at his Encino home by multiple armed law enforcement agents as part of the debut bust for a new Los Angeles business crime unit.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced a 12-count felony tax omission case against Mencia, accusing him of failing to report $8.7 million in personal and corporate income between 2019 and 2024, resulting in approximately $300,000 in unpaid state taxes. Hochman described Mencia as "one of California’s biggest tax scofflaws."
Mencia pleaded not guilty to the charges in Los Angeles Superior Court on June 22. His defense team has filed an emergency motion seeking his release on his own recognizance or a reduction of his $250,000 bail to $50,000. The motion argues that the raid on his home, involving multiple law enforcement agents and the use of a bullhorn and drawn guns, was an excessive display for alleged offenses that do not involve violence or weapons.
Prosecutors also placed a hold on Mencia, preventing him from posting bail, which the defense argues is inappropriate for alleged offenses of omission rather than claims of illegally obtained funds. The attorneys contend that Mencia amassed his wealth legally through decades of stand-up performances and television work.
The defense motion asserts that Mencia's continued incarceration is causing significant financial harm, noting he has missed four nights of scheduled comedy performances, costing him up to $40,000 in lost income. "The defendant has now already paid a steep price by damaging his national reputation, incarcerating him for several days without the opportunity to post bail and missing out on four nights of a booked venue where he could have earned up to $40,000 that he would have willingly paid to the Franchise Tax Board to start to pay back any taxes owed," the filing states.
Attorneys are also seeking the return of property seized during the raid, including cellphones and laptops, which they state contain valuable proprietary information essential to Mencia's performances. To support their argument that Mencia is not a flight risk, character letters from friends and colleagues, including producer Nicole "Nikki" Rosenson, have been submitted. Rosenson, who worked with Mencia on the Comedy Central show "Mind of Mencia," described him as a "loving father and a loyal, kind friend" who often provided opportunities for struggling comics.
The filing also highlights Mencia's background, noting he immigrated to the United States from Honduras at age two and is the primary financial provider for his wife, two sons, his 83-year-old mother, and extended family members. His cousin, Albert Mejia, has offered to serve as surety and post a $50,000 bond.
A formal arraignment and bail hearing were expected Monday at the Van Nuys courthouse.