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

Krystal Sparks Fronts Latest Reality Junkies

Krystal Sparks stars with Jay Smooth in the latest scene from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Yhivi, Lulu Chu Star in Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi stars with Lulu Chu in the studio's latest release, titled “Splish Splash Squirt.”

Octavia Red, Little Puck Lead Latest From Girlsway

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Octavia Red stars with Little Puck in the latest release from Girlsway, titled “How’s the View?”

Eva Angelina Returns to Tushy

Eva Angelina stars with Milan Ponjevic in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy.

SCREEN Act Back in Play: Federal AV Bill Faces Senate Hearing

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has slated a markup session this week for the SCREEN Act, which would mandate site-based age verification of users accessing adult content online on a national level.

Fiona Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Fiona has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Johnny and Isiah Maxwell.

Penthouse Names Angel Golightly as August's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Angel Golightly as Pet of the Month for August.

Shalina Devine Leads Latest Volume of Dorcel's 'M.I.L.F.S.'

Shalina Devine headlines the fifth volume of Dorcel’s "M.I.L.F.S."

Brandi Swan Makes Her Family Strokes Debut

Brandi Swan has made her Family Strokes debut alongside director Joshua Lewis.

TTS Launches 'Unlimited Pass' Program

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has launched its new Unlimited Pass membership program.

Show More