California comedian Carlos Mencia pleads not guilty to tax fraud charges
New York Post • • entertainment
Key Points:
- California comedian Carlos Mencia pleaded not guilty to 12 felony tax-related charges during his first court appearance, with bail reduced from $250,000 to $50,000.
- Authorities allege Mencia failed to report approximately $3.3 million in personal income and $5.4 million in corporate earnings over five years, leading to charges filed by Los Angeles’ new Business Tax Fraud Unit.
- Mencia’s Encino mansion was raided by tax investigators who confiscated evidence as part of a sweeping tax fraud probe, resulting in his arrest and missed scheduled comedy shows.
- LA County DA Nathan Hochman labeled Mencia one of the “500 greatest tax delinquents,” accusing him of ignoring 78 warning notices and evading about $300,000 in state taxes.
- The case represents the first prosecution by the Business Tax Fraud Unit, targeting complex financial crimes such as payroll tax fraud and falsified business records.
