Carlos Mencia demands jail release after arrest in…
Attorneys for comic Carlos Mencia are demanding his instant release from jail, blasting what they describe as an “absurd show of force” after the comedian was arrested in a sweeping tax fraud case unveiled by prosecutors as the debut bust for a new Los Angeles business crime unit.
The emergency movement, filed in the Van Nuys courthouse, comes days after Mencia, 57, was arrested at his Encino home by a number of armed law enforcement brokers.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced a 12-count felony tax omission case against the comic after the arrest Thursday and branded him “one of California’s biggest tax scofflaws” as he launched the workplace’s new Business Tax Fraud Unit.
Mencia in LA Superior Court on June 22 pleaded not guilty to the claims of tax fraud. Frederick M. Brown for CA Post
Prosecutors allege Mencia failed to report $8.7 million in personal and company income between 2019 and 2024, leaving roughly $300,000 in unpaid state taxes.
But in the newly filed movement to set bail, the protection accused prosecutors of turning a financial dispute into a publicity stunt designed to showcase the district attorney’s new unit.
Prosecutors allege Mencia failed to report $8.7 million in personal and company income between 2019 and 2024. Getty Images for ABA
The protection is asking the court to release Mencia on his own recognizance or slash his bail from $250,000 to $50,000.
“No one argues against the obligation to pay taxes,” according to the movement obtained by The California Post. “But the raid at his home with multiple law enforcement agents, screaming ‘search warrant’ with a bullhorn, and drawing guns was an absurd show of force for the alleged offenses that do not involve weapons, drugs or violence.”
Mencia is seen at the courthouse in Van Nuys for a bail listening to. Frederick M. Brown for CA Post
The protection is asking the court to release Mencia on his own recognizance or slash his bail from $250,000 to $50,000. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID
His attorney, Dana Cole, also challenged prosecutors’ resolution to keep Mencia jailed utilizing a maintain that can forestall defendants from posting bail when authorities imagine funds have been obtained through prison exercise.
The attorney argued the maintain is inappropriate because the allegations middle on failures to report or pay taxes — offenses of omission — reasonably than claims that Mencia illegally earned his money.
According to the submitting, the comic amassed his wealth legally through many years of stand-up performances and tv work, and the disputed income predates the tax case.
Mencia, 57, was arrested at his Encino home by a number of armed law enforcement brokers. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID
The movement argues Mencia’s continued incarceration is already inflicting extreme financial hurt.
Court paperwork say he has missed 4 nights of scheduled comedy performances since his arrest, costing him as a lot as $40,000 in misplaced 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 submitting states.
The movement argues Mencia’s continued incarceration is already inflicting extreme financial hurt. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID
Defense attorneys are also in search of the return of property seized during the raid, including cellphones, laptops and the driving force’s licenses of Mencia and his spouse Amy Mencia. The submitting says the computer systems include “valuable proprietary information” that is important to his performances.
To bolster their argument that Mencia is just not a flight risk, attorneys submitted character letters from longtime pals and colleagues.
Among them was producer Nicole “Nikki” Rosenson, who labored with Mencia on the Comedy Central show “Mind of Mencia.”
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced a 12-count felony tax omission case against the comic. Katie Avery
“It’s important to me that Carlos’ character is not reduced to a singular thing. He is a loving father and a loyal, kind friend,” Rosenson wrote, including that the comic often helped struggling comics by giving them alternatives early in their careers.
The movement also says Mencia immigrated to the United States from Honduras at age two and is the first financial supplier for his spouse, two sons, his 83-year-old mom and quite a few prolonged relations.
His cousin Albert Mejia has provided to act as surety and is ready to post a $50,000 bond utilizing his personal bank account, according to the submitting.
A proper arraignment and bail listening to are anticipated Monday at the Van Nuys courthouse.
Download The California Post App, observe us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTookay, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedIn
California Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTookay, YouTube, X
California Post Opinion
California Post Newsletters: Sign up right here!
California Post App: Download right here!
Home supply: Sign up right here!
Page Six Hollywood: Sign up right here!
We present you with the trending topics. Get the best latest Entertainment news and content on our web site daily.
