The Los Angeles District Attorney announced on Thursday that felony state tax evasion charges have been filed against comedian Carlos Mencia, accusing him of failing to report $8.7 million in income over a six-year period. <\/p>\n
The 58-year-old comedian’s real name is Ned Arnel Holness, but he goes by Carlos Mencia professionally. Hochman called Mencia “One of California’s biggest tax scofflaws.”<\/p>\n
He has been charged with 12 felony counts of tax evasion, six related to $3.3 million in personal income and six related to $5.4 million in corporate income for his company, Nedlos Entertainment, Inc. Over a six-year period, between 2019 and 2024, Mencia allegedly did not report $8.7 million in income. <\/p>\n
Hochman said that translates to over $300,000 in state tax, and “by the way, we’re not even dealing with whatever federal tax obligations he may have not complied with.”<\/p>\n
Hochman said the California Tax Franchise Tax Board sent Mencia 78 notices about unfiled returns. Mencia had filed returns before 2019, Hochman said.<\/p>\n
“He (Mencia) is on the California Franchise Tax Board’s list of the 500 greatest tax delinquents in both personal and corporate income categories,” Hochman said. <\/p>\n
If convicted on all counts, Hochman said Mencia could face over 10 years in prison, in addition to paying back taxes, plus interest, which would almost double the amount owed.<\/p>\n
The charges are the first to be filed by the newly created Business Tax Fraud Unit, Hochman said. He noted the new unit will target businesses that evade tax payments.<\/p>\n
Mencia has been in comedy for more than two decades and hosted a Comedy Central show from 2005 to 2008 called “Mind of Mencia.”<\/p>\n
The comedian currently lists 80 upcoming shows on his website, taking place at various venues across the country through 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mencia was arrested on Thursday and remains in custody. His arraignment is scheduled for June 22 at the Van Nuys Courthouse.<\/p>\n
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