When Richard Hatch connived his way to $1 million as TV's original Survivor, more than 50 million people tuned in to watch his big payday--give or take an IRS agent or two.

Hatch, 43, was charged Tuesday with failing to report that seven-figure check, plus other income, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

The two-count complaint, accusing Hatch of fibbing on back-to-back income-tax returns, was filed in federal court in Rhode Island, where the former reality TV star lives. (The six-page document may be perused in its entirety on The Smoking Gun.)

On his 2000 tax-year return, Hatch didn't report his $1 million Survivor jackpot, nor the $10,000 he picked up as an appearance fee for the top-rated August 2000 Survivor finale special, the feds allege.

On his 2001 return, the U.S. Attorney's Office further claims, Hatch failed to mention $321,139 earned from a Boston radio show.

If convicted, each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison, plus a $250,000 fine.

Hatch is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Monday.

According to Rhode Island's Providence Journal, Hatch has agreed to plead guilty to the two charges in exchange for a more favorable sentence. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office would not comment on a possible plea bargain. A call seeking comment from Hatch's attorney was not immediately returned Tuesday.

In the wake of his tax troubles, Hatch may be grateful he was voted off the island in the fifth episode of last year's Survivor: All-Stars, thereby avoiding another $1 million prize.

For the most part, Hatch's triumph in Borneo in 2000 has been good for business. Hatch went into the show a little-known corporate trainer, and thanks to his naked romps on the beach and to-die-for chemistry with fellow tribe members Rudy Boesch and Susan Hawk, came out of the show a multimedia star, with a self-help book (101 Survival Secrets), speaking gigs and a David Letterman appearance.

His new celebrity has not been without its low points, though. Shortly after wrapping Survivor, Hatch was accused of roughing up his adopted son, then 9. The charges were subsequently dropped. Then in 2001, he was found guilty of assaulting a former boyfriend. The conviction was overturned in 2002.

On his official Website (RichHatch.com), Hatch is lauded for his "dynamic, direct and honest style."

Note, there's nothing said about his skills as a tax preparer.

(source: yahoo)

Editor: Donald