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'Girls Gone Wild' Creator Joe Francis Facing Charges of Assault, False Imprisonment

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Everyone's favorite pornographer, Joe Francis, has been released on bail after turning himself in following charges of false imprisonment, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, and assault, reports L.A. Now. The charges relate to an incident that took place in Hollywood back in January. Francis allegedly met a group of three girls at the Supper Club, then tried to get one to go back to his house with him. When all three got in his limo, allegedly thinking they were headed to their car, they say he took them to his house, where he then got in a fight with one girl, pushing her to the ground and repeatedly hitting her head against the tile.

According to TMZ, Francis gave them a statement back in February maintaining his innocence:

Joe released a statement to TMZ saying ... "If you haven't noticed by now, I am a huge target for false allegations and accusations like this. My bodyguard, who is a reserve Sheriff, is always present at my house for any after party." He continues, "The only thing I witnessed last week was a girl being struck by another girl -- who was then subsequently removed by my bodyguard.

If he's convicted, Francis could face up to five years in jail and $13,000 in fines.

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