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Porn videomaker's trial goes to jury

By Kevin Graham, Times Staff Writer
In print: Wednesday, June 4, 2008

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ADVERTISEMENT Paul Little’s attorneys maintain he had no role in how his porn videos are distributed by other firms.

TAMPA — Jurors will begin deliberating today about whether the violent and graphic pornography produced by a California man violates local community standards and federal obscenity laws.

Paul F. Little of Altadena, Calif., could get substantial prison time if he's found guilty. Little and his company, MaxWorld Entertainment Inc., have been on trial in Tampa for more than a week, defending against five counts of using a computer server to sell and distribute obscene matter and five counts of delivering obscene matter through the U.S. mail.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew denied a motion to acquit Little on the charges involving the sale and distribution. The defense argued that he didn't know his adult Web site was housed on servers in Tampa.

But the judge said she needs more time to decide whether Little and his company should be acquitted on the counts involving the U.S. mail. His attorneys argued that Little had no control over a distributor's decision to sell the pornographic DVDs he produced through the U.S. mail to a Tampa post office box.

"I think this is a difficult issue," Bucklew said.

Defense attorneys for Little — who produces, directs and acts in his films as Max Hardcore — say Little sold his films to Jaded Video, a California adult film distributor. A link on the Max Hardcore Web site directs buyers to Jaded's site, where they are able to purchase films from the Max Hardcore series.

The Max Hardcore films include graphic scenes of urinating and vomiting, with Little often humiliating women.

Little's attorneys say that once MaxWorld sells its merchandise to Jaded Video, the distributor assumes full control and can do with the DVDs what they please.

During closing arguments today, defense attorneys are expected to tell jurors that what Little and MaxWorld produce is protected by the First Amendment and intended for a niche audience. A psychologist testified Tuesday that Little's films would appeal to a specific group whose sexual interests include domination and submission.

A private investigator hired by the defense said he purchased films with themes similar to those Little produces at adult video stores across Tampa Bay. The defense used his testimony to try and show jurors that these types of sexual depictions are tolerated and available in the local marketplace.

Kevin Graham can be reached at kgraham@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3433.