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 © 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

Lilith Grace Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

Lilith Grace has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw, alongside Ashley Lane and Jason Luv.

Jennifer White, Octavia Red & Jewelz Blu Star in 'Red, White & Blu' Sequel From Elegant Angel

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White stars with Octavia Red and Jewelz Blu in the sequel to Elegant Angel’s Fourth of July-themed featurette "Red, White & Blu."

Desiree Dulce Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for July

Desiree Dulce is the Cover Honey for the July issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by ThisYearsModel.com.

Bobbii Rose, Jake Switch Front New Release from Grooby

Bobbii Rose and Jake Switch star in the latest release from Grooby Girls, titled “The Aphrodisiac Plan.”

Krystal Sparks Makes Her MILFY Debut

Krystal Sparks makes her MILFY debut alongside Lexi Luna and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint.

Emma Rosie Toplines Latest Release From Doghouse Digital

Emma Rosie headlines the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Doghouse Digital.

Aleksa Mink Leads 4th of July-Themed Release From West Coast Productions

Aleksa Mink stars with Mannie Coco in a July 4th-themed release from West Coast Productions, titled “A Hotdog in Her Buns.”

Leana Lovings Makes Her Vixen Debut

Leana Lovings has made her Vixen debut alongside multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones.

Judge Dismisses Last NCOSE-Backed Suit Over Kansas AV Law

A federal judge on Monday dismissed a lawsuit alleging that adult site SuperPorn violated Kansas’ age verification law, citing lack of jurisdiction after similarly dismissing two related cases earlier this year.

Zariah Aura, Dee Williams Front Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Dee Williams in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Showing Her a Few Steps."

Show More