U.S. Judge Sentences Francis for 2257 Violations

LOS ANGELES — Mantra Films owner Joe Francis has been sentenced to 200 hours of community service and a $500,000 fine for his role in violating 18 U.S.C. § 2257, the federal record-keeping law designed to keep adult content producers from using underage performers.

Telling Francis that she considered the charges both “serious” and “part of an endemic problem” at Mantra Films, U.S. District Judge Margaret Morrow sentenced Francis to two years probation — double what his lawyers had requested, in addition to the fine and community service obligation.

The sentence marks the second part of a multiple jurisdiction case against Francis.

Francis had pled guilty to 10 felony counts stemming from federal record-keeping violations.

In December, U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak, who presided over the Florida segment of the case, surprised Francis by tacking on a community service obligation to a $1.6 million fine levied against Mantra Films as well as a personal fine against Francis for $500,000.

Smoak ordered Francis and company officers Arthur Greenfield, Jeff Ginsberg and Scott Barbour to complete eight hours of community service each month for the next 30 months. But the judge gave Francis the option of “stepping up” by serving 16 hours per month, thereby relieving the others of their court imposed community service obligations.

Attorneys for Francis have already appealed that sentence.

Morrow’s ruling marks the second time in as many months that Francis has been surprised by a federal judge with an additional community service obligation.

His lawyer, Aaron Dyer, had told Morrow before the sentencing that community service was not necessary because his client was an “exemplary citizen” and the crime was “just a record-keeping violation.”

Under terms of the probation, Morrow also forbad Francis to travel abroad without court permission. The judge dismissed his request to travel without restriction to his villa in Mexico.

When Dyer told the court that Francis had pending business in China, Morrow said he could file papers with the court to facilitate that trip, but for the next two years all of Francis’ foreign travels would be with court permission.

Francis told reporters outside the Los Angeles courthouse that the government had unfairly persecuted him.

“Of course I've been unfairly targeted by the government,” Francis said. “What better target than Joe Francis?”

There is no word yet if Francis intends to appeal the Los Angeles portion of his sentence.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect in South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Show More