'Survivor's' Richard Hatch heads back to court

The seemingly never-ending story of "Survivor's" first-ever winner Richard Hatch and his taxes has added a new chapter.

A judge ruled Monday (Jan. 10) that Hatch, 49, has violated the terms of his supervised release from prison on tax charges. At least for now, though, it doesn't any more time behind bars for Hatch. Judge William Smith decided to delay sentencing until he hears additional arguments, the AP reports.

Hatch was sentenced to prison in 2006 for failing to pay taxes in 2000 and 2001 -- including on his $1 million winnings from the inaugural season of "Survivor" in the summer of 2000. As part of his release, he was supposed to file amended returns for those years. Federal authorities say he hasn't done that.

According to Hatch's lawyer, that's because he has appealed the ruling that he owes $1.7 million in back taxes, interest and penalties to the U.S. Tax Court. He can't file the amended returns until the appeal process is finished, federal public defender Mary McElroy contends.

Both sides will file additional arguments, and Smith will rule on Hatch's status later. He could be sent back to prison for the remaining two years of his supervised release.

It's a pretty safe bet, though, that Hatch isn't one of the two mystery castaways on "Survivor: Redemption Island."