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 © 2024 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

Cherry Kiss Toplines Pat Myne's 'Anal Fetish Babes'

Cherry Kiss headlines director Pat Myne’s “Anal Fetish Babes,” from Evil Angel.

Kansas Law Firm Deploys Religion, Bunk Science While Recruiting Plaintiffs Under AV Law

Kansas-based personal injury law firm Mann Wyatt Tanksley is promoting debunked scientific theories and leveraging religious affiliation against the industry while it seeks potential plaintiffs for lawsuits against adult companies under the state’s age verification law.

UK Tech Secretary Lists Age Verification Among OSA Priorities

Peter Kyle, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, on Wednesday made public a draft version of his priorities for implementing the Online Safety Act (OSA), including age verification.

Nicole Aria Stars in Latest From Jules Jordan

Nicole Aria stars with John Strong and Zac Wild in the latest release from Jules Jordan.

Ellie Nova Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for December

Ellie Nova is the Cover Honey for the December issue of Hustler Magazine, appearing in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by ThisYearsModel.com.

Leah Gotti, Hazel Paige Topline 'Lesbian Neighbor Affairs 2'

Leah Gotti and Hazel Paige headline “Lesbian Neighbor Affairs 2,” from Girlfriends Films.

Mandy Muse Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Mandy Muse stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations, titled “Anal Time is Of the Essence For Mandy Muse.”

AEBN Publishes Popular Seraches by Country for September, October

AEBN has released its list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Avery Jane Featured on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Avery Jane is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

From Nigeria to California, Marvin Love Brings Comedy to Digital Playground

“If it doesn’t happen, listen, I’m happy to talk over and over again.” So says Marvin Love, director of Digital Playground’s latest comedy, “Single Minded.” Two days before, Love and I had conducted an excellent 45-minute interview, covering topics ranging from his upbringing in Nigeria, to his transition from mainstream movie production to adult directing, to his establishment of The Bakery Talent Agency. It was loose, funny, and very insightful.

Show More