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

Ava Holt Stars in Latest From TGirls.xxx

Ava Holt stars with Chris Epic in the latest release from Grooby paysite TGirls.xxx, titled "Happy Wife, Happy Life."

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out; Additional Hotel Added

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Goodtime Hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Brooke Tilli, Mick Blue Star in Latest From Brazzers

Brooke Tilli stars with multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "En Pointe Pounding."

Reptyle to Debut Cross-Site Release 'Polar Opposites'

Reptyle will premiere its latest cross-site release, "Polar Opposites," across all six of its imprints starting Saturday.

Penthouse Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ruled in favor of Penthouse World Media in a case against a website using an infringing domain.

Kyaa Chimera, Renee Rose Front Latest From Family Strokes

Kyaa Chimera and Renee Rose star with multi-XMAs winner Tommy Gunn in the latest release from Family Stroke.

Lilly Bell Headlines 'Maison Close' From Dorcel

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars in "Maison Close," the latest feature from Dorcel.

Milena Ray Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for May

Milena Ray is the Cover Honey for the May issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Davide Esposito.

Vanna Bardot, Chloe Foxxe Headline 'Dad's Lesbian Lover 4'

Two-time XMAs Female Performer of the Year Vanna Bardot and Chloe Foxxe topline the fourth volume of "Dad's Lesbian Lover," the latest release from Girlfriends Films.

Andylynn Payne, Sasha Tatcha Topline 'TS Girls Do It Best 3' From TransSensual

Andylynn Payne and Sasha Tatcha headline "TS Girls Do It Best 3," from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Show More