in 2003, officials in panama city beach, florida attempted to halt girls gone wild from filming, prompting francis to sue them for violating his first amendment rights. the same officials arrested francis for racketeering; he was released on bond. at a july 2006 hearing, the judge disallowed most of the evidence and in january 2007 dismissed most of the charges. francis pleaded guilty to record-keeping violations, was fined $1.6 million and sentenced to community service. francis later pleaded guilty for having contraband in his cell. he served 339 days and paid over $60,000 in fines.