Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis was arrested Tuesday morning at the Panama City International airport, according to TMZ.com. A federal judge issued a warrant out for Francis' arrest after Francis allegedly changed the terms of a settlement deal during a civil suit.
Francis was reportedly on his way to turn himself in as he arrived in Panama City on a chartered jet early Tuesday morning when he was recognized by airport police. He is currently being held at a jail in Panama City.
U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak found Francis in contempt of court two weeks ago for allegedly shouting obscenities and threatening three female plaintiffs during mediation in a civil suit.Smoak suspended his decision after learning that Francis had come to a mutually-agreed settlement with the plaintiffs, but reinstated the charge when lawyers for the plaintiffs claimed that Francis reneged on the terms. Francis then ignored Smoak's order to surrender to U.S. marshals on the contempt citation.
Seven women filed suit against Francis in 2003, claiming that a Girls Gone Wild crew videotaped them on Panama City Beach while they were underage.
