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

Tiffani Time Fronts Latest From Kink.com

Tiffani Time stars with Arin Jones in the latest release from Kink.com’s “Edged and Bound” series, titled “Dom Surrenders and Submits.”

Asteria Jade Makes Her Kink.com Debut

Asteria Jade has made her Kink.com debut alongside real-life partner Sage Roux in "The Debut of a Goddess."

Jessi Rae, Nala Brooks Front Latest From Blacked Raw

Jessi Rae and Nala Brooks star with Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Athena Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Athena has made her TransAngels debut opposite Hime Marie in the studio’s latest release, titled “Please Drop the Soap.”

River Lynn Makes Her Tushy Debut

River Lynn has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Tushy, alongside 2024 Euro XMAs Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay.

Serenity Cox Returns to MILFY

Multi-XMAs winner Serenity Cox has made her return to Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY alongside Parker Ambrose in the studio’s latest scene.

Leilani Li Stars in Latest From Kink.com

Leilani Li stars with Pierce Paris in the latest installment of the Kink.com series "Kink Trans," titled "Please Her Cock."

Abella Danger Drops 1st Episode of Her Brazzers Creator Interview Series on YouTube

Abella Danger has released the premiere episode of her new interview show produced by Brazzers Creator.

Lumi Ray Performs 1st DP in Latest From Bellesa Plus

Lumi Ray has performed her first DP alongside Dante Colle and Small Hands in the new release from Bellesa Plus, titled “The Game.”

Vixen, Julmodels to Celebrate Vixen's 10th Anniversary With 'Club Vixen' Party at XBIZ Amsterdam

Vixen Media Group (VMG) and European talent agency Julmodels will host Club Vixen at XBIZ Amsterdam on the evening of Sept. 10, which will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of flagship studio imprint Vixen.

Show More