"Survivor" Richard Hatch Makes a Prison Break

 

It's been four years since the very first Survivor, Richard Hatch, taught us all a valuable lesson: You can't outwit, outplay or outlast the IRS...

The 48-year-old Hatch -- who was convicted in January 2006 of failing to pay taxes on the $1 million prize he won on the first season of the CBS reality show -- left a federal prison in West Virginia on Monday. He was released early due to good behavior. 

Hatch...has maintained his innocence all along, claiming that he thought the show's producers would handle his taxes and that he was ignorant about money matters. (CBS has denied Hatch's claims.)  (Us Weekly)

 Here's the thing: When you win a million dollars on national television and everyone knows about it, it's probably not a good strategy to shirk your taxes is it?  We're guessing if they IRS already has documented proof (i.e. videotape) that you're a millionaire, they're going to be sticklers about getting their cut.  Not to mention the fact that Richie Hatch probably spent a good portion of his winnings on lawyer fees trying to stay out of prison.  It's a cautionary tale, kids -- one with many levels -- but the main points are these:

1.  Don't get naked on TV if you're not going to enjoy looking at pictures later...

 

 2.  Don't expect CBS to do your taxes for you.

Lesson learned, Richard Hatch.

Previously:

Today in WTF: Survivor's Richard Hatch Wants to Serve His Sentence in Argentina

"Survivor" Richard Hatch Wants To Get Out Of Jail Free

"Survivor" The Theme Park Experience

Is "Survivor" Channeling "Girls Gone Wild" To Boost Ratings?