Joe Francis to Remain in Reno Jail

RENO, Nev. — After a Tuesday release, Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis has chosen to remain in jail, his lawyer said, in order to avoid another jail sentence — without bail — for new charges in Florida, where he previously served time for contempt of court.

Francis was relocated to the Nevada jail last month after a federal judge ruled that his $20 million tax-fraud charges took precedence over those he had been held for at the time in Florida. In April, Francis turned himself in to Panama City, Fla., officials to serve his 35-day sentence.

Francis' defense lawyer, David Houston, told the Associated Press that Francis' attorneys decided the adult producer should stay in Reno after learning of new decisions made by the Florida judge.

Florida Circuit Judge Dedee Costello refused bail to Francis Tuesday on his 2003 charge of using minors in his videos, and has ordered Francis also be charged with possession of a controlled substance, as well as possession of contraband. In April, Francis was discovered carrying prescription sleeping pills while serving his Florida sentence at Bay County Jail.

Houston said he called off Francis' bail post of $1.5 million, which had been posted Tuesday.

"If I post [bail], Francis goes to Florida, and it took us a month to get him here," Houston said. "There's no reason for me to want to send him back to that environment. We had hoped he'd be out today."

Kevin Mercuri, a press representative for Francis, told XBIZ that Francis has not yet made an official statement regarding his decision to stay in Reno.

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

Daisy Pheonix, Melody Marks Front Brazzers Limited Series 'GenZZ'

Daisy Pheonix and Melody Marks star with Victor Ray in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “GenZZ.”

Report: UK Moving Ahead with Plan to Outlaw 'Choking' Content

The BBC and other sources are reporting that the U.K. government will follow through on criminalizing “choking” content, a plan that was announced earlier this year.

Yhivi Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Yhivi stars with Foxxy and Summer Col in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Detention Tension."

Brazzers Announces Pop-Up Gift Shop in NYC

Brazzers has announced a pop-up gift shop in New York City on Nov. 8-9.

Italy to Require Age Verification for Adult Sites

Italian media regulator AGCOM has announced that all sites and platforms hosting adult content will be required to implement age verification systems starting Nov. 12 to prevent access by users under 18.

Loveless Makes Her Evil Angel Debut

Loveless has made her debut for Evil Angel alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Vanna Bardot Slithers Into the Spotlight in X3 Magazine

Twice-crowned XMAs Female Performer of the Year Vanna Bardot headlines the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top stars.

On the Set: Adriana Chechik Returns in Ricky Greenwood's New Dorcel Feature

The walls of the Miami hotel room are painted lilac, with neon pink LED strips lining the corners. There’s a fake white plant, and teal drapes frame the lone window. A packed suitcase lies by the door.

Ana Foxxx, Jade Venus Star in Latest From Transfixed

Ana Foxxx and Jade Venus star in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Third Date Jitters."

Jasmine Sherni Gets Exorcised in Latest From Brazzers

Jasmine Sherni stars with Luna Star and Scott Nails in the latest scene from Brazzers, titled “The Brazzorcist.”

Show More