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

Eris Jolie, Athena Parisi Star in Latest From TGirls.Porn

Eris Jolie and Athena Parisi star in the latest release from Grooby paysite TGirls.Porn, titled "Pool Day Date."

Leilani Li, Olivia Jay Lead Latest From TransAngels

Leilani Li and Olivia Jay star with King Noire in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Deep Dive."

Ofcom Investigates Two Sites Over Possible AV Violations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday launched investigations into two adult sites as part of its age assurance enforcement program under the Online Safety Act (OSA).

Cami Strella, River Lynn Front Latest From New Sensations

Cami Strella and River Lynn star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Vixen Drops Cross-Site Feature 'Pull'

Vixen Media Group has released “Pull,” a five-part, cross-site feature with scenes presented by its studio websites Vixen, Blacked, and Tushy.

Private Releases 'Private Gangbangs 5'

Private has released “Private Gangbangs 5,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

FTC Promises 'Vigorous' TAKE IT DOWN Act Enforcement

The Federal Trade Commission is warning platforms that the agency will strongly enforce the notice-and-removal requirements of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which go into effect next week on May 19.

Zariah Aura, Rebel Rhyder Lead Latest From Evil Angel

Zariah Aura and Rebel Rhyder star in the latest release from Evil Angel, directed by multi-XMAs winner Aiden Starr.

2026 XBIZ Miami Speaker, Open-Floor Conversation Guide Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Miami, the latest edition of the adult industry’s premier summer conference, set to take place May 11-14 at the Goodtime Hotel in Miami Beach.

Bad Bella Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Bad Bella stars with Alex Legend in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More