The comedian Carlos Mencia has been charged in connection with failing to pay his taxes, in a case that could carry serious consequences. He is now facing 12 felony counts, according to prosecutors. Officials said that, if convicted on all of the counts, Mencia could spend years in prison.
Prosecutors allege that the charges stem from a six-year span, covering the years 2019 to 2024. During that period, according to the accusation, Mencia did not pay taxes on nearly 9 million dollars of income. The case centers on both his personal and business tax obligations.
According to the allegations, the situation resulted in more than 300,000 dollars in unpaid California state taxes. The amount reflects returns that prosecutors say were not filed as required. The unpaid total became a central element of the case brought against the comedian.
Authorities said Mencia appears on the California Franchise Tax Board's list of the 500 greatest tax delinquents, in both the personal and corporate income categories. That designation placed him among the names the state tracks most closely for outstanding tax debts. It also underscored how long the issue had been building.
Prosecutors said the California Franchise Tax Board had sent Mencia 78 payment notices over time. According to the accusation, he never responded to them. One official remarked that taxes are not a laughing matter and framed the issue as a question of fairness for those who do pay.
The charges are allegations, and Mencia has not been convicted of any crime. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. ABC News said it had reached out to Mencia's representatives for comment but had not received a response by the time of the report.
Mencia, who began performing stand-up comedy in the 1980s in Los Angeles, is expected to make his first court appearance on Monday. If he is convicted on all 12 counts, he could face more than 10 years behind bars. The case is set to move forward through the California courts in the coming weeks.