JOE FRANCIS - FRANCIS' HOUSE ARREST LIFTED

FRANCIS' HOUSE ARREST LIFTED

GIRLS GONE WILD creator JOE FRANCIS is facing an easier time as he awaits trial in his ongoing tax evasion case - he has had his house arrest revoked.
Francis was ordered to stay in his home last week (03Feb09) after he was detained in jail overnight for failing to show up for a court hearing.
U.S. District Judge S. James Otero ended the adult moviemaker's confinement on Wednesday (11Feb09) - but restricted his travel to seven counties in Southern California.
Judge Otero also ordered that Francis cannot enter airports or other transportation hubs that allow travel outside of the U.S.
Francis' trial on tax evasion charges, which was due to commence in March (09), was put back at the hearing and is now scheduled for July (09).
He faces up to 10 years behind bars if convicted.