Richard Hatch tax evasion trial jury begins deliberations

A federal jury in Providence, R.I., Tuesday began deliberating in the tax evasion trial of $1 million "Survivor" champ Richard Hatch.

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The government claims Hatch tried to hide his prize winnings as well as other income from the IRS on his 2000 tax return and diverted funds from a charity he started for his own use.

During two hours of closing arguments Tuesday, prosecutors accused the Newport, R.I., resident of being greedy, the Providence (R.I.) Journal reported.

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"There's one reason he filed that return," Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Reich said. "Greed. He didn't want to pay the taxes he owed."

Hatch's attorney countered his client should not be held liable for making a mistake.

"Honest people do the best they can, and they make mistakes every day," defense attorney Christopher Minns told the jury.

The jury deliberated for about two hours before being dismissed until Wednesday morning.

Hatch faces a maximum 73 years in prison and $3.1 million in fines if convicted on all the counts.