Reality star Hatch accused of violating probation

[December 11, 2010]  PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Reality TV star Richard Hatch is accused of violating probation on his tax evasion sentence, which he received for failing to pay taxes on his $1 million prize from the first season of "Survivor."

Hatch, who became reality TV's first villain in the 2000 season of "Survivor," is scheduled to appear Wednesday in federal court in Rhode Island to answer charges he violated terms of his three-year probation, which began after he was released from prison last year following more than three years behind bars.

Hatch was convicted in 2006 of failing to pay taxes on his "Survivor" winnings, as well as other income. He received extra prison time because the judge found he lied on the stand. His probation requires him to find work, complete a mental health program, refile his 2000 and 2001 tax returns and pay all his back taxes.

It was not immediately clear which of the terms Hatch is accused of violating. His public defender did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Barry Weiner, who oversees federal probation in Rhode Island, would not release details of the complaint. But he told The Associated Press the probation office goes through a review of its cases every year to ensure people are complying with the terms of their release. He said Hatch was not being detained before Wednesday's hearing.

Hatch maintained throughout his trial and since that he doesn't owe taxes, telling The Providence Journal as recently as last month that the Internal Revenue Service had given him two $1,000 refund checks, and saying that was "unequivocal proof" he owed nothing. It was not clear in the article whether he ever refiled his tax returns.

Weiner would not say whether that was the reason for the complaint, but said Hatch's comments conflicted with the requirements of his probation.

"It seems like we have an inherent conflict right there," he said.

When Hatch was sentenced, the judge found he owed more than $400,000 in back taxes, not including interest and penalties.

Since his release from prison, Hatch has been living with his sister in an apartment in Newport.

[Associated Press; By MICHELLE R. SMITH]

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