Carlos Mencia denies tax evasion accusations in court hearing.
Perry’s question remains, but the estimate is not his biography.
The 58‑year‑old comedian faced 12 felony counts of tax evasion in Los Angeles County court when he was arraigned. The case alleges that he failed to file or pay personal income taxes for 2019 through 2024, amounting to more than $8 million in earnings, and also failed to file corporate taxes for the same period. Prosecutors say he owes over $300,000 in state taxes on that income.
Judge Jane Dessup reduced his bail from $250,000 to $50,000 after the arraignment on Monday. He was already in custody since Thursday’s arrest. Court filings indicate the bail has been posted, but it is unclear whether he has been released.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the case as the first under his new Business Tax Fraud Unit, launched in May. He called the comedian a “biggest tax scofflaw” in California. If convicted on all 12 counts, the penalty could exceed 11 years in prison.
The comedian denies the charges. His legal team has not yet responded to media requests for comment.