Carlos Mencia was arrested Thursday and charged with 12 felony charges for failing to report or pay taxes on more than $8 million in earnings, prosecutors said.
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Mencia, a former Comedy Central television host, was charged with six felony counts of failure to file personal income tax with the intent to evade taxes.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges at a news conference. Speaking to reporters, Hochman called Mencia "one of California's biggest tax scofflaws."
The charges are being presented by California's new Business Tax Fraud Unit.
Mencia allegedly failed to report $8.7 million worth of income between 2019 and 2024. The stand-up comedian was sent 78 notices from the California Franchise Tax Board regarding his unfiled returns.
Carlos Mencia Could Serve Over a Decade in Prison
Mencia allegedly owes more than $300,000 in state taxes on income totaling $8.7 million, Hochman said.
"That translates into over $300,000 of state tax. And we're not even dealing with whatever federal tax obligations he may have also not complied with," Hochman shared during the press conference. "He is on the California Franchise Tax Board's list of the 500 greatest tax delinquents in both personal and corporate income categories."
If convicted, Mencia could face over a decade in prison. Additionally, the comedian would be required to pay back taxes and interest, which would double the amount owed, according to Hochman.
"Mr. Mencia has an income most people can only dream of. Like everyone else, he is required to file his personal and corporate tax returns and pay his fair share," Hochman said in a statement.
"Failing to report millions of dollars in income is a slap in the face to hardworking Californians who diligently file and pay their taxes every year. Today, we are sending a message to the tax scofflaws that it is no longer business as usual in Los Angeles County. The days of a free pass for failing to file returns and pay taxes are over."
