First ‘Survivor’ winner found guilty of tax evasion
Richard Hatch, the winner of the first season of ‘Survivor’ was convicted of evading taxes on his winnings, as well as money earned as a radio show host and earnings from a rental property. He faces prison time of up to 13 years and a fine of up to $600,000.
Hatch’s defense was based upon his contention that he was a bad bookkeeper, and that he thought the producers of ‘Survivor’ were supposed to pay the taxes on his winnings.
He was acquitted on seven charges of bank fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud. Hatch was taken into custody because the judge felt he was a flight risk. Sentencing is scheduled for late April.
