Comedian Carlos Mencia was charged with 12 felony counts of tax evasion after Los Angeles officials said he failed to report $8.7 million in income taxes between 2019 and 2024. He faces up to 11 years and four months in prison if convicted, with bail set at $2
When Los Angeles County moved to bring Carlos Mencia into court on Thursday, the case arrived with a stack of felony charges and a specific number meant to cut through the comedy world’s chatter: $8.7 million.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman confirmed that the comedian—best known for Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia”—was charged with felony state tax evasion. Hochman said the charges stem from an alleged failure to report $8.7 million in personal and corporate income taxes across tax years 2019 through 2024. The filing comes as the first case for the newly established Business Tax Fraud Unit.
At a press conference with the District Attorney’s Office. Hochman framed the case as both a legal pursuit and a message. “Mr. Mencia has an income most people can only dream of. and like everyone else he is required to file his personal and corporate tax returns and pay his fair share. ” Hochman said in a statement Thursday. He continued. “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 because they care about their communities and the public goods. like police. fire. roads. and utilities. their tax dollars provide.”.
The DA added, “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.”
According to the DA’s office, Mencia—also known as Ned Arnel Holness—faces 12 felony counts of tax evasion. The breakdown is detailed: six felony counts of failure to file personal income tax with the intent to evade tax. and six felony counts of failure to file corporate income tax with the intent to evade tax.
If convicted, Mencia faces a potential sentence of 11 years and four months in prison. He was arrested today and is reportedly still in custody. Bail has been set at $250,000.
An arraignment has been scheduled for June 22. A representative for Mencia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The sequence laid out by the District Attorney’s Office is straightforward in its structure: allegedly unreported income across tax years 2019–2024. charged as 12 felony counts tied to both personal and corporate filings. followed by a custody status. a set bail amount. and a court date just over a week away.
Carlos Mencia tax evasion charges Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman Mind of Mencia Business Tax Fraud Unit Ned Arnel Holness felony tax evasion arraignment June 22 $8.7 million
12 counts?? I mean he made millions so… this feels deserved? Idk.
Wait so they’re charging him for not reporting like $8.7 million worth of taxes from 2019 to 2024? That’s insane. Also “still in custody” like right now right? Seems wild for a comedian.
lol I always wondered how he got away with stuff. But I don’t get the $8.7 million thing—like is that what he OWES or just what he made? Cuz the article says taxes and income like interchangeably. Either way 250k bail is low if he really did that.
Comedy world’s chatter?? I’m sorry but I’m stuck on the $250,000 bail and June 22 arraignment, like what happens between now and then. Also he’s “Ned Arnel Holness”?? I thought that was just a stage name thing. If he didn’t file, that’s on him, but they always spin it like police and roads are the only reason people pay taxes. Anyway hope they get the full story.