It looks like Richard Hatch will have to hitch his star to some other quick scheme to win a million dollars: he won’t be heading to Samoa. US District Judge William Smith has determined that Hatch will not be able to leave home confinement early to travel to Samoa for a special anniversary edition of Survivor.
Hatch had appealed to the judge for an early release, claiming that he could use money won on the show to pay back his tax debts. Apparently, Judge Smith didn’t find that a terribly compelling argument. Hatch remains in Rhode Island on home confinement.
The first million dollar winner of Survivor – and convicted tax evader – Richard Hatch has asked a federal judge to let him leave the country. Hatch, who was convicted in 2006 of tax evasion charges, is serving the end of his sentence at home in Rhode Island. That creates a problem for his plans to return to Survivor next month for the tenth anniversary season, filmed in Samoa.
Hatch claims that he could use money he wins from the show to pay off the rest of his debt, which feds put at $400,000. Clearly he doesn’t remember his stints on Survivor All Stars, Dog Eat Dog or The Weakest Link – all of which saw Hatch exit early.
As you can imagine, the feds aren’t excited about granting Hatch permission to leave the country before completing his sentence or paying off his debt. Hatch’s prior requests – for just about anything and everything – have been turned down. This may be his first win yet.
