Legendary comedian Paul Rodriguez was arrested in Burbank, California, on Friday (March 28), FOX News reports.
Rodriguez, 70, was charged with possession of narcotics after a vehicle he was the passenger in was pulled over. The comedian's lawyer, Bobby Samini, denied the allegations against him, claiming they "lack foundation" in a statement to FOX News Digital following his arrest.
"On March 28, 2025, at about 7:30 pm, Burbank Police Officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle for vehicle code violations Mr. Rodriguez was a passenger in," the statement reads.
"During the investigation, narcotics were located. Mr. Rodriguez was arrested and booked at the Burbank Police Jail for possession of narcotics."
Rodriguez was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on April 25, 2025.
"The charges against Paul Rodriguez are false and lack foundation," Samini said. "Mr. Rodriguez was a passenger in a vehicle that was pulled over by the Burbank Police Department last night. He fully cooperated with law enforcement at all times.
"Law enforcement asserted that the driver of the vehicle was in possession of a controlled substance. Mr. Rodriguez did not have any controlled substance in his possession, nor was he under the influence of any controlled substance."
"Mr. Rodriguez’s arrest and treatment constituted a violation of his civil rights. We look forward to establishing Mr. Rodriguez’s innocence in a court of law," he added.
Rodriguez, a native of Mexico who was raised in Compton, California, is best known for his standup comedy and acting career. The 70-year-old is credited for roles in A Million to Juan, Born in East L.A. and Beverly Hills Chihuahua and ranked at No. 74 on Comedy Central's '100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time' list in 2004.