from www.tmz.com - Joe Francis just told a judge he fears for his life -- and the man allegedly making the threats is none other than hotel tycoon Steve Wynn.
During a hearing over a gambling debt Francis owes the Wynn Las Vegas, Francis told the judge, "Mr. Wynn has threatened to kill me ... He said he would hit me in the back of the head with a shovel and bury me in the desert."
The judge asked Francis if he had gotten a restraining order -- Francis said he hadn't, but he was in the process.
Francis lost a $2,000,000 judgment to Wynn last year over a casino debt. Francis hasn't paid the judgment (he's currently appealing) and was hauled into court today to reveal where he keeps his assets.
A rep for Wynn did not return a call for comment.
Back story: The Wynn Las Vegas wants the money Joe Francis owes them -- and they're crossing state lines to get it.
Wynn Las Vegas has been given the okay by a California court to go after Francis' assets here in California -- including his posh Bel Air mansion.
Francis recently lost a judgment in Nevada in the amount of $2,000,000 because he didn't pay back a gambling marker from 2 1/2 years ago. That amount has ballooned to nearly $3 mil with interest.
Since Wynn wanted to go after Francis' vast California holdings to get their money, they had to ask the California court to honor the Nevada ruling -- which they've agreed to.
