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

Lilly Bell Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

XMAs winner Lilly Bell has made her debut for Tushy Raw alongside Jimmy Bud in the latest release from the Vixen Media Group imprint.

Jessi Rae, Ashby Winter Star in Latest From Vixen

Jessi Rae and Ashby Winter star with Alberto Blanco in the latest release from Vixen.

Hazel Moore, Melanie Marie & Della Cate Lead Latest From Blacked

Hazel Moore, Melanie Marie, and Della Cate star with Isiah Maxwell, Hollywood Cash, and Jax Slayher in an orgy release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked.

Kalli Poon Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Kalli Poon has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Jay and Isiah Maxwell.

PASS to Host Online 'Office Hours' Town Hall on Mgen Testing

PASS will host a monthly Office Hours virtual town hall meeting for all adult industry members, focusing on concerns over rectal Mgen testing.

Texas Court Orders Adult Site Domain Locked for AV Violations

A district court in Texas has issued a writ requiring domain registry Verisign to “lock” an adult website’s domain over noncompliance with the state’s age verification law.

Alina Lopez Leads Latest From Bellesa Plus

Alina Lopez stars with Danny Mountain in a release from Bellesa Plus, titled “In The Coach.”

Hazel Moore, Melanie Marie & Della Cate Star in Latest From Blacked

Hazel Moore, Melanie Marie, and Della Cate star in the latest scene from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked.

Anissa Kate Fronts Latest From Brazzers VR

Anissa Kate stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from Brazzers VR, titled "She Wants You, Daddy!"

Adult Time Drops Latest Installment of Jim Powers' 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload," titled "Carpool Overload."

Show More