Max Hardcore Jury Returns Guilty Verdict

TAMPA, Fla. — Jurors in the Max Hardcore obscenity trial have returned a verdict of guilty on 10 federal counts of distributing obscene materials over the Internet and through the mail.

His company, MaxWorld Enterprises, was also found guilty on 10 related counts.

"This is a sad day for America," Hardcore attorney Jeffrey Douglas told XBIZ. The lawyer was noticeably upset. "Like I said in my closing remarks, this was a shameful prosecution. I don't have anything else to say."

Hardcore told XBIZ that he was "OK."

Earlier today, the jury appeared to be undecided and conferred with the judge on several points before going back into deliberation.

"If we make a decision on 10 of the 20 counts, but are unable to reach a decision on the other 10, will the 10 counts that we decide on stand?'' the jury foreman asked Judge Susan C. Bucklew this afternoon, just after 3 p.m. EST.

The judge answered that the decisions they returned would stand, even if other counts were undecided.

The foremen indicated also that there were jurors “on both sides” of the issues, and that there was doubt that they could come to a unanimous decision.

He also asked the court how long the jury was expected to deliberate, to which the judge reportedly told the jury she would not tell them how long to deliberate, only that they should deliberate again.

Sources close to the case told XBIZ this morning that a decision might be imminent, but this afternoon, foreman asked the judge for a break, citing that emotions were running high in the deliberations. Lawyers for both sides were asked to stay in the courtroom, in case the jury should return with a verdict.

However, the jury returned just a short time ago with their verdict.

Other defense attorneys were unavailable for comment at post time.

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

X3 Expo Kicks Into Gear With an All-Star Lineup

Outside the historic Hollywood Palladium on Friday, a huge line of fans lined Sunset Boulevard, eagerly awaiting the opening of the 2026 X3 Expo and their big chance to meet the cream of the crop of adult stars.

2026 XMAs: Watch the Global Live Broadcast

The 2026 XMAs, presented by Fansly, will stream live to a global audience via the official event website, welcoming fans worldwide to join a celebration of excellence in adult entertainment.

2026 XBIZ Honors Salutes Resilience Across the Online Adult Industry

The 2026 XBIZ Honors packed house Wednesday night, turning the Kimpton Everly Hotel’s Nichols Ballroom into a gala celebration of industry excellence.

Zara Makes Her Studio Debut for Blacked

Newcomer Zara has made her studio debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked, alongside Anton Harden.

Elevated X Adds CCBill Integration for Payment Processing

Elevated X has added CCBill integration for payment processing to its ELXNexus traffic management and affiliate program software.

Kylie Rocket Leads Dorcel's 'Couture No. 4'

Kylie Rocket headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Couture No. 4.”

Anna de Ville Toplines Latest 'Desperate Anal MILFs' From David Perry

Anna de Ville headlines the seventh volume of director David Perry's "Desperate Anal MILFs," now available from Evil Angel.

Alexa Leigh Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Alexa Leigh stars with her husband Keith and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Angela White Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with Derek Savage and Jack Blaque in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Meet and Skeet."

Cléa Gaultier Directs 'Follow Me #2' From Dorcel

Cléa Gaultier directs in latest release from Dorcel, titled “Follow Me #2.”

Show More