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

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."

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.

Show More