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

Kasey Kei, Emma Rosie Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Kasey Kei and Emma Rosie star in the latest release from Evil Angel, directed by Joey Silvera.

Ana Foxxx Stars in Latest From Raunch

Ana Foxxx stars with former XMAs Male Performer of the Year Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from Adult Time studio brand Raunch.

Gender X Debuts Latest Volume of Jim Powers' 'Trans Honey Trap'

Gender X Films has debuted the fifth volume of director Jim Powers' "Trans Honey Trap" series.

Krystal Sparks, Sugar Milf Front Latest From Pervz

Krystal Sparks and Sugar Milf star with Arin Jones in the latest release from Pervz series PervTherapy.

Melissa Stratton, Indica Flower Front Latest From Reality Kings

Melissa Stratton and Indica Flower star with JMac in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled “Dirty Dish.”

Brazil Sets Enforcement Timeline for New AV Rules

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Friday published a timeline outlining planned steps for monitoring and enforcing age verification under the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which took effect Tuesday.

Kitty Quinn, Nata Gold Star in Latest From MixedX

Kitty Quinn and Nata Gold star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “The Interview.”

Utah Governor Signs 'Porn Tax' and VPN Rule Into Law

Governor Spencer Cox on Friday signed into law a bill to tax adult websites and make them liable if minors circumvent geolocation.

WIFEY Celebrates 1st Anniversary With Return of Tiffani Time

Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY is marking its first anniversary with the return of Tiffani Time in a new scene alongside her husband Ben, Isiah Maxwell, and Hollywood Cash.

Cherry Candle, Scarlet Skies Headline Latest 'Lesbian Seductions'

Cherry Candle and Scarlet Skies topline the 82nd volume of “Lesbian Seductions” from Girlfriends Films.

Show More