Joe Francis Pleads Guilty on Contempt Charge, Gets 35 Days

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis pleaded guilty to contempt of court and was sentenced to 35 days in jail in a U.S. District Court hearing today.

The 35-day sentence includes 14 days Francis has already served waiting for the hearing.

The contempt charge is based on Francis' failure to settle a federal civil suit brought by seven women who were minors when he videotaped them in 2003. U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak had ordered Francis to settle the suit or face contempt charges, and was arrested April 10 after negotiations had fallen through and Francis attacked the judge in the media, calling him a "judge gone wild."

The civil case has been reportedly settled for an undisclosed amount.

Francis is still facing legal problems in Florida, Nevada and California.

In Florida he is accused of trying to bribe a jail guard, and a federal court in Reno, Nev., indicted Francis on charges that his companies claimed more than $20 million in false business expenses, and that Francis improperly concealed income. In California, his probation on a federal case involving 2257 violations could be endangered because of his recent problems in Florida.

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

Anissa Kate, Katie Kush Topline Latest 'Lesbian Anal' From Sweetheart Video

Anissa Kate and Katie Kush headline "Lesbian Anal 8," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Evil Angel Drops Angelo Godshack's 'Squirting Wars'

Evil Angel has released director Angelo Godshack’s “Squirting Wars.”

Red Rose Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Red Rose stars with her husband James and Hollywood Cash in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Better Life Science Joins PASS as New Testing Partner

Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) has added Better Life Science as a new testing partner.

Yakira King, King Noire Star in Latest From TGirls.xxx

Yakira King and King Noire star in the latest release from Grooby paysite TGirls.xxx, titled "Pop the Balloon: Trans Edition."

Ofcom Fines AVS Group $1.3 Million for AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday imposed a penalty of one million pounds, or approximately $1.3 million, on AVS Group Ltd. after an investigation concluded that the company had failed to implement robust age checks on 18 adult websites.

Updated: Aylo to Help Test EU Age Verification App

Pornhub parent company Aylo plans to participate in the European Commission’s pilot program for its “white label” age verification app, a spokesperson for the company has confirmed.

Missouri Lawmaker Attempts to Revive 'Health Warnings' for Adult Sites

A Missouri state representative has introduced a bill that would require adult sites to post notices warning users of alleged physical, mental, and social harms associated with pornography, despite a previous federal court ruling against such requirements.

Serena Love Makes Her TransAngels Debut in New Holiday-Themed Release

Serena Love has made her TransAngels debut opposite multi-XMAs winner Eva Maxim in the new holiday-themed scene, “While You Were Snoozing.”

Tiffani Madison Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Tiffani Madison has made her Hookup Hotshot (HUHS) debut alongside Nade Nasty.

Show More