Survivor champ jailed over taxes

Richard Hatch

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - Richard Hatch, the first winner of the hit reality-television show Survivor, was sentenced today to four years and three months in federal prison for tax evasion.

Once described by a fellow contestant as a "snake," the US$1 million jackpot winner on Survivor in 2000 also was ordered to undergo psychological counselling upon release and file amended income tax returns for 2000 and 2001 that fully reflect his winnings.

US District Court Judge Ernest Torres said he had increased the sentence above a term suggested in a January trial because he determined Hatch had lied repeatedly about his earnings, taxes, use of charitable funds and extent of property.

"His testimony is replete with statements that are flatly contradicted by credible witnesses and documented evidence," Torres told the courtroom.

Hatch, wearing a prison-issued orange jumpsuit with his legs shackled but his hands uncuffed, said he could explain every statement he made during the trial.

"I believe I've been completely truthful and completely forthcoming throughout this entire process," he said.

It was unclear whether Hatch would appeal the punishment.

He was acquitted in January on seven of 10 counts brought against him, including bank, mail and wire fraud charges. The 45-year-old Newport, Rhode Island, native could have faced a maximum fine of US$1.35 million and 73 years in prison if he had been convicted on all counts.

The motivational speaker was found guilty of failing to pay taxes on US$1.43 million he earned from Survivor and about half a dozen other sources.

Hatch, who frequently paraded around nude on the reality show set on a South Pacific island, was viewed by some as a brash, manipulative schemer, but grudgingly admired by others for his savvy and determination to win.

He and other contestants on the first Survivor helped launch reality shows as a TV phenomenon.

A grand jury investigation began in March 2005 when Hatch backed out of a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to two tax evasion charges that carried a maximum 10-year prison sentence and a US$500,000 fine.

His lawyers had said CBS, which broadcast the show, should have withheld federal taxes because the network should have classified him as an employee under California law. He said the federal government also must shoulder some blame.

CBS has said Hatch was responsible for declaring his winnings and paying his taxes.

- REUTERS