Joe Francis Indicted on Tax Evasion Charges

RENO, Nev. — "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis was charged with tax evasion today, having deducted more than $20 million in apparent false business expenses on his 2002 and 2003 tax returns.

According to the indictment, Francis used offshore bank accounts to hide income made during those two years. He used a Cayman Islands corporation, which Francis controlled, to transfer more than $15 million of his secret money into his Irvine, Calif., account.

Francis faces up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000 if convicted.

He is scheduled to appear in Reno, Nev., court May 22.

The indictment follows Francis' Tuesday arrest in Panama City, Fla., where a judge had ordered him jailed until talks to settle a civil lawsuit are completed.

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

Utah State Legislator Proposes New 'Porn Tax'

A Utah state senator introduced a bill on Monday that would impose a 7% tax on the gross receipts of adult websites doing business in that state, plus require adult sites to pay an annual $500 fee.

'Fan Fav' XMA Award Categories to Be Presented at X3 Expo

In a move sure to electrify fans and creators alike, fan passion will take center stage Saturday, Jan. 17, when the winners of the 2026 XMA Fan Favorite categories are revealed, transforming the closing night of X3 Expo into the event’s most buzzworthy moment.

Sophia Locke, Max Fills Star in Latest From New Sensations

Sophia Locke and multi-XMAs winner Max Fills star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Angel Windell, Cherry Candle Topline Latest 'Lesbian Love Stories'

Angel Windell and Cherry Candle headline the 11th volume of "Lesbian Love Stories" from Girlfriends Films.

Leana Lovings Fronts Latest From Pure Taboo

Leana Lovings stars with Jason Sarcinelli in the latest release from Pure Taboo, titled "His Charitable Act."

X3 Expo 2026 Unveils Movie Screenings Lineup

X3 Expo has revealed its 2026 screening lineup, comprised of XMAs-nominated titles “The Parasite Queen,” “Strip,” “Once Upon a Time in the Valley,” “The Blueprint,” and “Deadly Vows.”

Coco Bae Leads Latest From Digital Playground

Coco Bae stars with Danny D in the latest release from Digital Playground, titled “A Glimpse.”

X3 Mag Drops Collector's Edition Featuring 2026 Expo All-Stars

The special New Year’s edition of X3 magazine, the premier publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top stars, is now available.

BiPhoria Debuts New Series 'Caught Bi'

BiPhoria has debuted its new series, "Caught Bi."

Ella Hughes, Nata Gold Star in Hentaied Pro's 1st Interactive Release

Ella Hughes and Nata Gold star in Hentaied Pro’s first interactive release, titled "Endless Echoes."

Show More