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 © 2025 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

Lexi Lore, Chanel Camryn Star in Latest Installment of 'Out of the Family'

Lexi Lore stars with Chanel Camryn and Victor Ray in the latest installment of Devil’s Film series “Out of the Family,” titled “Wait…That’s Not the Remote?”

Harry Sparks Wraps Production on 'Scissors 2'

Harry Sparks has announced that production has wrapped on his new erotic horror film, "Scissors 2."

Abi James Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Abi James stars with Richard Glaze in the latest release from New Sensations.

Octavia Red Headlines 'My Best Friend's Girl 3' From Sweet Sinner

Octavia Red toplines the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner, “My Best Friend's Girl 3.”

Miss Raquel Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Miss Raquel stars with multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled “You Cheat on Me I Fuck Your Coworker.”

Private Releases 'Venice Love Stories'

Private has released “Venice Love Stories,” directed by Franck Lentini.

Brittany Andrews Leads Latest Scene From DFXtra

Brittany Andrews stars with Will Tile and Pierce Paris in the latest scene from DFXtra.

Jasmine Sherni Fronts Latest Release From TeamSkeet

Jasmine Sherni stars with Isabella Jules and Donnie Rock in the latest scene from TeamSkeet’s “Freeuse” series, titled “Freeuse Is a Gooner’s Best Friend.”

Yhivi Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi stars with Scott Nails in the latest Brazzers scene, “On Yhivi’s Table.”

Jade Greene Fronts Latest From Swappz

Jade Greene stars in the new scene from Swappz, titled “‘You've Been Fucking My Daughter?!’ I Swapped Boyfriends With Mom.”

Show More