Comedian Paul Rodriguez arrested for drug possession in Burbank

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- Comedian Paul Rodriguez was arrested for drug possession on Friday evening in Burbank, but his lawyer is disputing the charges, asserting that Rodriguez did not possess any controlled substances and that his civil rights were infringed upon during the incident.

The arrest occurred around 7:30 p.m. when the Burbank Police Department stopped a vehicle in which Rodriguez was a passenger. Officers reportedly discovered drugs inside the car, leading to Rodriguez's booking at the Burbank Police Jail, from where he was later released with a citation to appear in court on April 25.

Rodriguez's attorney, Bobby Samini, issued a statement declaring the charges to be "false" and indicating that they lack substantive support. According to the statement, Rodriguez cooperated fully with law enforcement during the traffic stop, and the controlled substances belonged to the vehicle's driver, not Rodriguez.

The 70-year-old comedian has had a prolific career spanning over 30 years, recognized for his stand-up performances in both English and Spanish, as well as his roles in films like "Tortilla Soup" and "A Million to Juan." He has also appeared in notable movies such as "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" and "Blood Work," alongside numerous television appearances.

A city attorney will review the case to determine whether formal charges will be filed against Rodriguez amid his lawyer's insistence on establishing his innocence in court.