Exclusive | Famed comedian Carlos Mencia whines from behind bars after absurd show of force by new LA crime unit
Attorneys for comedian Carlos Mencia are demanding his immediate release from jail, blasting what they describe as an “absurd show of force” after the comic 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 motion, filed in the Van Nuys Courthouse, comes days after Mencia, 57, was arrested at his Encino home by multiple armed law enforcement agents.Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced a 12-count felony tax omission case against the comedian after the arrest Thursday and branded him “one of California’s biggest tax scofflaws” as he introduced the office’s new Business Tax Fraud Unit.Prosecutors allege Mencia failed to report $8.7 million in personal and corporate income between 2019 and 2024, leaving roughly $300,000 in unpaid state taxes.But in the newly filed motion to set bail, the defense accused prosecutors of turning a financial dispute into a publicity stunt designed to showcase the district attorney’s new unit.The defense 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 motion 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.”Cole also challenged prosecutors’ decision to keep Mencia jailed using a hold that can prevent defendants from posting bail when authorities believe funds were obtained through criminal activity.The attorney argued the hold is inappropriate because the allegations center on failures to report or pay taxes — offenses of omission — rather than claims that Mencia illegally earned his money.According to the filing, the comedian amassed his wealth legally through decade...