Dramatic moment swarm of police descend on Carlos Mencia’s Encino mansion in $8.7 million tax bust

nypost.com

A wave of investigators descended on comedian Carlos Mencia’s Encino mansion Thursday morning as officers moved methodically through the property, hauling out boxes, sealed cases, and bags of materials tied to a sweeping tax fraud investigation.

Photos from the scene show a heavy presence from the California Franchise Tax Board enforcement team, with officers posted across the driveway and front entrance as they carried evidence containers from inside the home to waiting vehicles.

The gated residence of Carlos Mencia, under investigation for tax fraud.

 Mencia’s residence was the focus of a law enforcement operation on Thursday. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

Law enforcement officers at Carlos Mencia's home during a search warrant execution.

Officers moved methodically through the property, hauling out boxes, sealed cases, and bags of materials. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

Police officers outside Carlos Mencia's residence during a tax fraud investigation.

Investigators from the Los Angeles Business Tax Fraud Unit executed a search warrant at the property.  4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

Police officers in tactical gear at Carlos Mencia's residence during a tax fraud investigation.

Authorities were seen at the home beginning around 8 a.m. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

Multiple images capture officers actively removing stacked banker-style boxes and hard cases from the residence, staging them outside the property in organized piles. 

Black duffel bags and additional secured containers were also placed along the walkway as the search expanded deeper into the home.

Law enforcement officers executing a search warrant at Carlos Mencia's residence, with boxes and equipment piled outside.

Officers coordinating the flow of evidence from the mansion. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

In one photo, an officer exits the house holding a large locked case while another stands nearby as more materials are retrieved from inside.

Law enforcement officers, one identified as "Huber", conducting a search warrant at Carlos Mencia's home for a tax fraud investigation.

A man believed to be Mencia is visible just inside the entrance. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

Law enforcement officers from the Los Angeles Business Tax Fraud Unit exiting Carlos Mencia's residence during an investigation.

An officer exits the house holding a large locked case. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

Another image shows officers coordinating the flow of evidence from the mansion, passing boxes and equipment-style containers between the interior of the home and vehicles outside. 

Items including boxes, a black bag, and a container of wipes, possibly evidence, are seen outside a white vehicle.

Hochman has charged Mencia with 12 felony counts . 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

Several agents were positioned around the property to manage the ongoing removal of materials.

Police officers carrying equipment during an investigation at a residence.

He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

The dramatic scene is tied to a major criminal case announced by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who has charged Mencia with 12 felony counts related to alleged tax evasion totaling approximately $8.7 million.

Comedian Carlos Mencia performs at The Ice House Comedy Club.

Comedian Carlos Mencia performing at The Ice House Comedy Club this month. Getty Images for ABA

“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,” Hochman said.

Prosecutors allege Mencia failed to file tax returns for six consecutive years, spanning 2019 through 2024, covering both personal and corporate income. 

Officials say repeated 78 warning notices were issued but no filings were made.

Authorities further claim roughly $3.3 million in personal income and $5.4 million in corporate earnings went unreported through Nedlos Entertainment, Inc., where Mencia is listed as CEO and owner.

Aerial view of Carlos Mencia's house in Encino, California.

Officials say repeated notices were issued but no filings were made. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

Aerial view of Carlos Mencia's house in Encino, California.

Prosecutors allege Mencia failed to file tax returns for six consecutive years. 4CRNS, WCP / BACKGRID

The alleged tax loss to California is estimated at about $8.7 million.

The case includes six felony counts tied to personal taxes and six tied to corporate filings.

Comedian Carlos Mencia holding a microphone and gesturing with his finger.

Mencia’s legal name is Ned Arnel Holness. FilmMagic

Investigators say the alleged noncompliance continued year after year despite multiple warnings from state authorities.

Mencia, whose legal name is Ned Arnel Holness, was arrested at his Encino home at approximately 7:05 a.m. during the operation. 

Carlos Mencia performing stand-up comedy at The Ice House Comedy Club.

The alleged tax loss to California is estimated at about $8.7 million. Getty Images for ABA

His bail was set at $250,000.

He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Arraignment is scheduled for June 22 at the Van Nuys Courthouse.