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January 13, 2006

Hatch testimony centers on check for charity venture

PROVIDENCE - Testimony this morning in the tax-fraud trial of reality television star Richard Hatch centered on a check made out to a charity Hatch purportedly established to provide outdoor adventures for teens.

Along with neglecting to report his more than $1 million in winnings from the first
Survivor challenge, federal prosecutors claim that the Newport resident used $36,500 in donations to the charity, called Horizon Bound, for personal expenses.

Eight witnesses appeared this morning, most of them testifying about a $25,000 check another television show, For Goodness Sakes, wrote to Horizon Bound in exchange for Hatch's appearance on its pilot.

Also aired in court today was a video clip from the show, which showed Hatch receiving a ceremonial check for that amount -- from a supposedly-naked man.

Hatch had gained notoriety as "the fat, naked guy" on Survivor, which was set on a tropical island. Today, he continued his casual approach to dressing in court, wearing an open-necked, blue button-down shirt and gray khakis.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Tom Mooney

Posted by Jack Perry  at 1:35 PM | Permalink