Joe Francis Pleads No Contest in Florida

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis pleaded no contest today to child abuse and prostitution charges in Panama City.

Judge Deede Costello sentenced Francis to 339 days in jail, but gave him credit for the last year he has spent in jail in Bay County, Fla., and in Reno, Nev.

Bay County also will return Francis' Ferrari and $60,000 that was confiscated from him last year, website TMZ.com reported.

Francis entered the no-contest pleas to settle the case that began when "Girls Gone Wild" videotaped underage girls in 2003. Francis' lawyers had contended that the girls lied about their ages to an independent camera operator, and that none of the footage was used.

The action resolves the Florida criminal cases pending against Francis and allows him to remain out of jail on bond — pending a federal tax evasion trial in Nevada set for August.

"I am happy to be done with Bay County," Francis told TMZ.com.

TMZ reported that Francis will be on six months' nonreporting probation, and "Girls Gone Wild" is barred from shooting in the area for three years.

Related:  

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

Vince Karter Discusses Directing for Evil Angel

After 13 years on screen, Vince Karter has taken his talents to the other side of the camera. He recently made his studio directing debut for Evil Angel, where five scenes helmed by the two-time Euro XMAs Male Performer of the Year are already streaming on the site.

WIFEY Names Serenity Cox Brand Ambassador

Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY has named Serenity Cox as its brand ambassador.

Emma Rosie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Emma Rosie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Zariah Aura in "Trick or Treating Ourselves."

Ohio AG Threatens Action Against 'Major' Adult Sites Over AV Law

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced today that his office is sending "notice of violation" letters to 19 adult websites for failure to comply with the state's recently enacted age verification law.

Transfixed Debuts Bree Miller Drama 'MILF Oasis'

Transfixed has released the Bree Mills-helmed drama “MILF Oasis.”

Sweet Sinner Releases 6th Volume of 'MILF Pact'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Bunny Madison, Katrina Colt, and Little Puck in the sixth volume of "MILLF Pact," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Hime Marie Leads Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Hime Marie returns to Hookup Hotshot for a new scene featuring Nade Nasty.

Angelica Heaven Leads Latest From Immoral Productions

Angelica Heaven stars in a new Immoral Productions trilogy alongside Terry Banks, Matt Bird, Rob Hudson, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Payton Preslee Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Payton Preslee and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Ukrainian Content Creators on Hook for Nearly $10M in Back Taxes

Content creators in Ukraine owe the equivalent of $9.3 million in back taxes, according to the country's State Tax Service.

Show More