'Girls' guy says he's innocent in tax case

RENO, Nev., June 5 (UPI) -- "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis has pleaded not guilty to tax evasion charges in a federal court in Nevada, authorities said.

He was held in Reno, Nev., Monday while his lawyers and attorneys for Florida try to reach an agreement about whether Francis can post bond in Nevada and how free he would be to travel, E! News reported Tuesday.

Francis was indicted in April on multiple counts of bribery and tax evasion.

He is wanted in Florida on charges of featuring underage girls in racy videos in 2003 and for smuggling contraband into his jail cell in April while serving a sentence for contempt.

Florida officials wanted him to remain in Florida, but a judge ruled the federal tax case took precedent, ordering authorities to take Francis to Nevada.

If an accord is reached, Francis could post a $1.5 million cash bond, surrender his passport, cede access to his private jet and restrict travel to Los Angeles, Reno and Florida until his tax-related issues are resolved, a U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman said.

In Los Angeles, Francis was charged with a misdemeanor count of sexual battery for allegedly groping an 18-year-old girl at a party.