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

Wicked Premieres 1st Installment of Seth Gamble's Erotic Drama 'Love/Hate'

Wicked Pictures has released the debut installment of multi-XMAs award winner Seth Gamble's latest series, "Love/Hate."

AV Bulletin: Loopholes and Lawsuits

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Utah 'Porn Tax' Bill Will Head to Governor's Desk

A bill that would tax adult websites and make them liable if minors circumvent geolocation has passed the Utah state legislature and will soon head to the office of Gov. Spencer Cox for signature or veto.

Aleksa Mink Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Aleksa Mink stars with Dick Dealer Don in the latest release from Reality Kings.

Angie Lynx Toplines Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs 6'

Angie Lynx headlines the sixth volume of director Angelo Godshack's "Hardcore Gangbangs," from Evil Angel.

Flirt4Free Co-Founder Gregory Clayman Passes Away

Gregory Clayman, a pioneering figure in the live cam sector and cofounder of the long-running webcam platform Flirt4Free, has passed away.

Pornhub to Restrict Access in Australia as AV Rules Take Effect

Pornhub parent company Aylo will restrict access to its free video-sharing platforms in Australia in response to new age verification regulations, the company confirmed Thursday.

ASACP Announces F2F as 1st Gold Sponsor

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) has announced Friends2Follow (F2F) has upgraded its sponsorship and become the organization’s first Gold Sponsor.

House Committee Approves Online Safety Bill With Federal AV Requirement

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday passed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, which includes provisions to make age verification by adult websites federal law.

Segpay Adds 'Pay by Bank (UK)' Payment Solution

Segpay has added the Pay by Bank (UK) option to its direct payments solutions.

Show More