If there’s anying we’ve learned from Survivor’s Richard Hatch, its that government hates tax evaders.  After failing to pay what he owned, the reality show contestant was sent to the pokey for a nice long stay.  (Hatch is not expected to complete his 4+ year sentence until October 2009.)

Unfortunately, Wesley Snipes was either not a fan of the CBS show or he just didn’t heed the warnings.  Today, the Blade actor was sentenced to 3 years in prison for failure to file tax returns.  Back in February, Snipes was found not guilty of other tax fraud and conspiracy charges.

Despite personal letters from fellow actors (Denzel Washington, Woody Harrelson) asking for possible probation, Snipes was given the maximum sentence by a U.S. District Court Judge in Florida.  Snipes also paid $5 million of the reported $41 million he owes at the hearing today.