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 © 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

Irish PM Affirms Plan for UK-Style Ban on 'Extreme' Content

Ireland’s prime minister on Wednesday confirmed that his government is moving ahead with plans to introduce legislation criminalizing possession and distribution of “extreme” pornography, which he hopes to see passed by early 2027.

Evil Angel Drops Vince Karter's 'Miami Vixens'

Evil Angel has released director Vince Karter's latest title, "Miami Vixens."

Angellica Good Stars in Latest From TransAngels

Angellica Good stars with Cole Black in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Hungry For Her Junk Food."

Penny Barber Stars in Latest From MILFY

Penny Barber stars with Filou Fitt in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

UK Parliamentary Group Calls for Outlawing Cam Platforms

The U.K. Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Commercial Sexual Exploitation has published a report in which it calls for banning adult livestreaming platforms.

Rissa May Toplines 'My Son's Fiancee' From Sweet Sinner

Rissa May headlines "My Son's Fiancee," the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Ariel Demure, Maisey Monroe Star in 4th Installment of 'Ripped for Their Pleasure' From Gender X

Reigning and two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars with Maisey Monroe in the fourth installment of "Ripped for Their Pleasure," the latest title from Gender X Films.

Delilah Raige Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Delilah Raige has made her debut for Brazzers alongside Ricky Johnson in "Raige Hits The Stage."

Ofcom Escalates Sun Social, Superb Convert Investigations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has ramped up its ongoing Online Safety Act (OSA) compliance investigations into PlayVids/PeekVids operator Sun Social Media and PimpBunny operator Superb Convert.

Bellesa to Drop New Installments of 'Euro House'

Bellesa will release new episodes of its series "Euro House" after a three-year hiatus.

Show More