Joe Francis Claims Innocence in Tax Fraud Case

After months of publicity surrounding his legal affairs, Girls Gone Wild creator Joe Francis has pleaded not guilty in a federal tax court on Monday. The government has accused Francis of taking more than $20 million in bogus business deductions from the tax years 2002 and 2003.

"No matter how much the government pursues me because of what I do for a living, I will be vindicated again because ultimately the truth will come out," claimed Francis outside the courtroom.

Although Francis may presume that he is being targeted because of the nature of his business, U.S. Justice Department officials were quick to point out that Francis "concealed millions of dollars in income" in violation of federal tax law, not because of his line of work.