Posted on 05/16/2006 10:41:13 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Richard Hatch, who won $1 million in the debut season of "Survivor," was sentenced Tuesday to 51 months in prison for failing to pay income taxes on his reality TV prize and other earnings.
Hatch, 45, was convicted in January. The charges carried a maximum of 13 years in prison.
U.S. District Judge Ernest Torres said he issued a harsher than expected sentence because Hatch had committed perjury repeatedly during his trial.
"It seems unfortunately very clear to me that Mr. Hatch lied," Torres said. When Hatch was convicted, Torres said he expected to sentence him to 33 to 41 months.
"I believe I've been completely truthful and completely forthcoming throughout the entire process," Hatch told the judge before he was sentenced.
Hatch claimed he thought the show's producers would pay his taxes and pleaded ignorance about money matters, saying he forgot to tell his accountants about some income.
"Survivor" earned CBS a ratings hit. Hatch became known as "the fat naked guy" — a term coined by David Letterman — for refusing to wear clothes for much of the show.
Hatch sowed seeds of conflict among his competitors, and an estimated 51 million viewers were watching when he received his winning check.
At times, he seemed to handle his criminal case like an extended reality TV competition. He abruptly walked away from a plea deal with prosecutors and pleaded his innocence to Katie Couric on the "Today" show.
Doofus on parade.
Good riddance, scumbag. The prison GP will welcome you with open arms, Mr TV Celebrity. Heh...
I don't think anyone is going to feel sorry for that arrogant jerk.
In prison his nickname will be "Down the Hatch".
Survivor, Leavenworth episode.
Sorry Richard, you don't get "voted off" prison.
Wonder how long before he appeals by claiming the judge, jury, prosecutor, etc. were biased against homosexuals?
Oh! How the flighty have fallen!.............
No, but he could be voted most likely to...............
First get a million dollars.
Then, don't pay any taxes.
When the IRS asks say 'I forgot'.
(Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live)
Let's just say his dance card is going to be full.
LOL! He'd better not wander around naked in the lockup. OTOH, maybe he would enjoy it!
Gay, no wonder he walked away from the plea deal. Going to a men's prison...a boy can dream!
That may not be so far-fetched, as I'm sure a survey/poll will be on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, etc. asking "Do you believe sexual orientation was a factor in the sentencing of Richard Hatch?
His cellmate, Bubba, will show him REAL reality TV.
Guess he did not survive this one, huh?
He may not wanna leave......
I believe you are correct. I would guess he will be playing catcher a lot in the penal fanatasy league.
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