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

Arizona Senate Removes 'Catch-22' Provision From Consent Bill

The Arizona State Senate has amended a bill that would impose new requirements for adult content uploaded online, removing a seemingly contradictory provision that could have effectively made it impossible for adult sites to operate in the state.

Lilly Bell, Emma Rosie Topline Latest 'Lesbian Stepsisters' From Sweetheart Video

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell and Emma Rosie headline the 14th volume of "Lesbian Stepsisters" from Mile High Media's studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Leana Lovings Stars in Latest Release From MonsterPorn

Leana Lovings stars with Ashley Lane and Aria Sloane in the latest release from MonsterPorn, titled "Lunar Lovers."

Lucy Mochi Performs 1st Boy/Girl in Vixen Debut

Lucy Mochi has performed her first boy/girl scene and made her Vixen debut alongside Parker Ambrose.

Italian Court in Aylo Case Limits International Reach of AV Rules

An Italian administrative court has ruled that Italy’s recently-enacted age verification rules for adult content may not currently be enforced against sites based in other EU member states, pending further procedural action under the EU’s Directive on Electronic Commerce.

OCC, FDIC Prohibit Use of 'Reputation Risk' by Regulators

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on Tuesday issued a final rule codifying the elimination of ‘reputation risk’ from their supervision of financial institutions.

Kasey Kei Stars in Latest From GenderX

Kasey Kei stars with Jade Radd and Sage Roux in the fourth installment from the new GenderX title, "Trans Honey Trap #5."

Brittney Kade, Jessica Ryan Front New Transfixed Release

Brittney Kade and Jessica Ryan star with and Sage Roux in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Menage a Trans #10."

Andi Avalon, Koda Monroe Lead New Threesome From Brazzers

Andi Avalon and Koda Monroe star with Victor Ray in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "MILF Meter Blast-Off.”

Yhivi Stars in Latest From Brazzers

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

Show More