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December 21, 2005

Updated: Hatch loses bid to continue tax case

PROVIDENCE -- Richard Hatch didn't win any immunity challenge in court today.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres denied three motions filed on behalf of the 44-year-old Newport man, whose sometimes-naked television performance on the first Survivor reality show won him a $1million -- and tax troubles.

Hatch was named in a 10-count indictment in September charging him with failing to pay taxes on his innings, as well as income from a radio program, rental income and charitable donations he allegedly used for himself.

Torres denied Hatch's motions to continue his court case, to separate some of the counts against him and to specify the exact amount of taxes owed. Jury selection in the case is now scheduled to begin Jan. 10, a court spokesman said.

Hatch has pleaded innocent to the charge of two counts of tax evasion, one count of filing a false income tax return, two counts of wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud and one count of bank fraud.

-- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this item incorrectly reported the date for the start of jury selection. It also incorrectly reported that one of the Hatch motions referred to legal fees.

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 4:30 PM | Permalink