Carlos Mencia Whines Over 'Absurd Show of Force' by Police During Tax Fraud Arrest After Allegedly Failing to Report $8.7M Income
Carlos Mencia was arrested and charged with 12 counts of tax evasion.
June 22 2026, Published 5:20 p.m. ET
Carlos Mencia has claimed his tax fraud arrest included an "absurd show of force," RadarOnline.com can reveal.
The comedian, 58, was arrested last week and was charged with 12 counts of tax evasion. He allegedly failed to report $8.7million in personal and corporate income taxes between tax years 2019–2024, owing the state of California more than $300,000. However, Mencia took issue with the manner of his arrest, which he claimed was over-the-top.
Carlos Mencia Arrested for Alleged Tax Fraud
Mencia was arrested and charged with 12 counts of tax evasion.
Attorneys for Mencia demanded his release from jail in an emergency motion filed in the Van Nuys courthouse.
The motion said, “No one argues against the obligation to pay taxes. 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.”
The defense asked his bail to be slashed from the current $250,000 rate to just $50,000 – the latter was granted, or allow him to be released on his own recognizance. His cousin Albert Mejia is prepared to post the bond.
Co-Stars Rush to Carlos Mencia's Defense
The comedian claimed he experienced heavy force upon his arrest.
However, even with a monetary offer on the line, the defense alleged that prosecutors are using a rare rule to prevent him from paying.
In California, authorities can place detained individuals on hold when there's concern their funds were amassed through criminal activity. Mencia's attorneys reiterated his money was legal, claiming the hold was improperly applied.
They argued Mencia is not a flight risk. Nicole "Nikk" Rosenson, who worked with Mencia on the Comedy Central show Mind of Mencia, came to his defense.
She wrote to the court in a character letter, "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."
Attorneys Claim Carlos Mencia Lost Out on $40,000
Attorneys claimed he missed out on $40,000 due to the arrest.
Further, the defense argued his time behind bars took a massive hit to his reputation and financial earnings.
According to attorneys, "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" if he'd been allowed out on bail.
They added in the motion, "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."
Mencia's attorneys also demanded the return of some of his personal items. Authorities seized cellphones, laptops, and the driver's licenses of Mencia and his wife, Amy Mencia.
The computers, his legal team alleged, include "valuable proprietary information" important to his work.
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Carlos Mencia Branded One of California's Biggest Tax Scofflaws
The comic's arraignment is set for Monday.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described Mencia as "one of California's biggest tax scofflaws."
He said in a statement, "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.
"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.
"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."
Mencia pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Monday, June 22. He is due back in court on August 14.
