JOE FRANCIS - FRANCIS RELEASED AND PLACED ON HOUSE ARREST

FRANCIS RELEASED AND PLACED ON HOUSE ARREST

GIRLS GONE WILD creator JOE FRANCIS has been released from custody and placed under house arrest, after missing a court hearing to face tax evasion charges. District Judge S. James Otero issued a warrant for Francis' arrest on Monday (02Feb09) after he skipped a scheduled session at a Los Angeles courthouse.
He finally showed up five hours late, claiming he was suffering from influenza, and was immediately detained by U.S. marshals.
Francis was released on Tuesday (3Feb09), but he will be confined to his home until the next hearing on 11 February (09).
The 35 year old stands accused of filing a fraudulent tax return. He is scheduled to stand trial in March (09) and faces up to 10 years behind bars if convicted