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 © 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

Yhivi Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi stars with Brazzers exclusive Girthmasterr in the studio's latest release, titled "Wild Nights."

Milena Ray Leads Dorcel's 'PL4Y #3'

Milena Ray headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “PL4Y #3.”

Ivy Ireland Toplines Vince Karter's 'Karter Kreation 2'

Ivy Ireland headlines reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter’s latest Evil Angel directorial, “Karter Kreation 2.”

Leana Lovings Returns to Hentaied

Leana Lovings stars in the latest Hentaied scene, titled “Containment Breach.”

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Age Verification Bill

Gov. Tony Evers on Friday vetoed AB 105, an age verification bill that would have allowed anyone to sue adult content providers for damages over alleged failure to age-verify users in Wisconsin, with penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

Sarah Arabic Makes Her Elegant Angel Debut

Sarah Arabic has made her debut for Elegant Angel alongside multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble in a release directed by Sid Knox.

Keke Lou Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Keke Lou has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband, Moses, and Chocolate Rod.

FSC Releases Statement on Wisconsin Governor Vetoing AV Bill

The Free Speech Coalition has released a statement on Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers' veto of the state's age verification legislation.

Lilly Bell, Gizelle Blanco Lead Latest From Girlsway

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars with Gizelle Blanco in the latest Girlsway release, titled “Door-to-Door Seduction.”

Romi Rain Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Multi-XMAs winner Romi Rain stars with Ken Feels and Nick Strokes in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More