Sentence delay for gay reality show winner

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • April 25, 2006 - 0:00

Richard Hatch won reality TV show Survivor

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Sentencing has been delayed for the openly gay winner of Survivor's first season, who was found guilty in January of failing to pay taxes on his $1 million winnings and other income.

Richard Hatch, 45, who graced the cover of The Advocate and became something of a gay icon following his first season win, was expected to be sentenced this month. Sentencing has now been delayed until May 16, according to the Dallas Voice.

U.S. District Court Judge Ernest Torres granted a delay after Hatch's lawyers asked for more time to rebut a government memo asking the judge to give Hatch extra prison time for allegedly obstructing justice.

Hatch won $1 million in the debut season of the CBS reality series but was convicted in January of never paying taxes on his winnings. Prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's office accused him of lying on the stand.

Hatch has been in a jail in Plymouth, Massachusetts since his conviction. The charges against Hatch carry a maximum 13 years in prison. Torres has said he expects a sentence of between two years, nine months and three years, five months.

According to the Voice, sentencing would be lengthened if the judge accepts the U.S. Attorney's arguments.

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