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

Digital Playground Premieres Ricky Greenwood's Action Feature 'Crash and Burn'

Digital Playground has dropped the first installment of "Crash and Burn," an action crime feature from multi-XMAs winner Ricky Greenwood.

Valentina Nappi Featured in Season 2 Cast of 'The Traitors: Italy'

Multi-XMAs winner Valentina Nappi will be among the Faithful, as the veteran adult performer is part of the second season cast of "The Traitors: Italy" on Prime Video.

Dragon Fruit, Lexi Star Headline Latest Volume of Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs'

Dragon Fruit and Lexi Star topline the ninth volume of director Angelo Godshack's "Hardcore Gangbangs," from Evil Angel.

Chloe Amour Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Chloe Amour stars with Chocolate Rod and Goldey in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Ofcom Sets Timeline for Enforcing 'Extreme' Content Rules

U.K. media regulator Ofcom plans to begin enforcing new laws criminalizing certain “extreme” adult content online, but will first hold a consultation in early 2027 before providing updated guidance for sites and platforms.

Amy Nosferatu Leads Latest From TransAngels

Amy Nosferatu stars with Jason Leescott in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Slit Slut."

Brandi Swan Stars in Latest From Pervz

Brandi Swan stars with Peter Fitzwell in the latest installment of the Pervz series "Shoplyfter."

Lucy Mochi Stars in Latest Form Jules Jordan

Lucy Mochi stars with Lexington Steele in the latest release from Jules Jordan Video.

Rebel Rhyder Fronts Latest From MYLF

Rebel Rhyder stars with Sage Roux in the latest installment of the MYLF series "Anal Mom."

Kimmy Kimm Stars in Latest From Pure Taboo

Kimmy Kimm stars with Mickey Mod in the latest release from Pure Taboo, titled "Won’t Breathe a Word."

Show More