Monday, March 18, 2024
44.0°F

Reality star Hatch accused of violating probation

| December 13, 2010 8:00 PM

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - 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.

Court hears restitution split in Dane Cook case

WOBURN, Mass. - Comedian Dane Cook's sister-in-law, ordered to pay millions in restitution after pleading guilty to stealing from the entertainer, asked a judge on Friday to allow her to keep two gold wedding bands she says are family heirlooms.

The rings are not worth much money but have sentimental value to Erika McCauley, lawyer Scott Matson said. Judge Mary-Lou Rup did not immediately rule.

McCauley and her husband, Darryl McCauley - Cook's half brother - have been ordered to pay Cook $12 million in restitution.

The Wilmington couple, who also had a home in York, Maine, were accused of embezzling millions from Cook while Darryl McCauley was the entertainer's business manager.

Darryl McCauley is serving a 5- to 6-year prison term. His wife is serving 2 to 3 years.

Rup on Friday set Erika McCauley's restitution amount at $10.9 million. She and her husband are jointly responsible for paying that amount. Her husband is also responsible for paying the remaining $1.1 million in the total $12 million restitution order.

Crowe, Wilson finalize divorce

LOS ANGELES - There's no more music between rocker Nancy Wilson and director Cameron Crowe - the couple have finalized their divorce.

Court records in Los Angeles show a judge signed off on the couple's breakup Wednesday.

The Heart singer-guitarist and Academy Award-winning writer-director resolved their split without fanfare, using a retired judge as a mediator to end their 24-year marriage.

Wilson filed for divorce in September. The couple have twin 10-year-old sons.

- The Associated Press

Crowe, director of films such as "Jerry Maguire" and "Say Anything," won an Oscar for the screenplay for "Almost Famous." Wilson worked on the soundtracks of several of Crowe's film, and had a cameo in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," which he wrote.

The couple have been separated since June 2008.

- The Associated Press