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

Online Child Protection Hearing to Include Federal AV Bill

A House subcommittee will hold a hearing next week on a slate of bills aimed at protecting minors online, including the SCREEN Act, which would make site-based age verification of users seeking to access adult content federal law.

Lana Wolf Returns to Immoral Productions

British star Lana Wolf stars in a new two-part scene from Immoral Productions alongside Dean Van Damme and studio honcho “Porno” Dan Leal.

Lulu Chu, Connie Perignon Star in 'Locked, Cocked & Loaded' From Brazzers

Lulu Chu and Connie Perignon star with Victor Ray in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Locked, Cocked & Loaded."

Adriana Chechik Returns to Evil Angel With Blowbang From Jonni Darkko

Adriana Chechik has returned to Evil Angel with a blowbang from director Jonni Darkko.

FSC Announces 2025 Board of Directors Election Nominees

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the nominees for its 2025 Board of Directors election.

Chanel Camryn Headlines 'Babysitters Wanted 4' From Reality Junkies

Chanel Camryn toplines the fourth volume of "Babysitters Wanted" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Romi Rain Featured on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Romi Rain is the latest guest on “The Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

Lily LaBeau, Sarah Jessie Topline 'My Lesbian Masseuse'

Lily LaBeau and Sarah Jessie headline "My Lesbian Masseuse," from Girlfriends Films.

Millie Morgan, Ken Feels Star in Latest From New Sensations

Millie Morgan and Ken Feels star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Violet Myers Leads New Gangbang From Blacked

Violet Myers stars in the latest gangbang release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked.

Show More