Joe Francis Indicted on Tax Evasion Charges

RENO, Nev. — "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis was charged with tax evasion today, having deducted more than $20 million in apparent false business expenses on his 2002 and 2003 tax returns.

According to the indictment, Francis used offshore bank accounts to hide income made during those two years. He used a Cayman Islands corporation, which Francis controlled, to transfer more than $15 million of his secret money into his Irvine, Calif., account.

Francis faces up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 if convicted.

He is scheduled to appear in Reno, Nev., court May 22.

The indictment follows Francis' Tuesday arrest in Panama City, Fla., where a judge had ordered him jailed until talks to settle a civil lawsuit are completed.

Copyright © 2026 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

Final Defendant Sentenced in GirlsDoPorn Case

Former adult producer Doug Wiederhold, previously a business partner of GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt, was sentenced on Friday in federal court to four years in prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Connie Perignon Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Abigaiil Morris and Kira Noir in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fast Food Fight & Fuck."

Bella Bare Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Bella Bare stars with her husband The Remedy, Chocolate Rod, and Richard Mann in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

FTC Takes Another Step Toward New 'Click to Cancel' Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is negotiating the latest procedural hurdle in its effort to renew rulemaking concerning negative option plans, after a federal court previously vacated a “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

Mandii Rose Makes Her MYLF Debut

Mandii Rose has made her MYLF debut alongside Axel Haze in the studio’s latest release.

Bobbii Rose Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Bobbii Rose has made her TransAngels debut opposite Chad Dorado in the studio’s latest release, titled “Furry Fantasy.”

Greta Foss, Sofia Smith Topline Angelo Godshack's 'Angels of Hardcore 4'

Greta Foss and Sofia Smith headline director Angelo Godshack’s “Angels of Hardcore 4,” from Evil Angel.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Digital Playground

Newly crowned XMAs Best New Performer Cubbi Thompson stars with Mike Ox in the latest release from Digital Playground, titled "Yes, Chef!"

Brazzers Signs Elly Clutch to Exclusive Contract

Brazzers has signed Elly Clutch, winner of the 2024 XMA Creator Award for Female Clip Artist of the Year, to an exclusive contract.

Reptyle Launches Cross-Site Special Event 'The In-Laws'

Reptyle is launching a new cross-site special event on its TeamSkeet, MYLF, Swappz, and Family Strokes imprints, titled "The In-Laws."

Show More