Fox's upcoming ''Joe Millionaire,'' as everyone knows (except for the 20 bachelorettes who competed), centers on a suitor who is only pretending to be a wealthy heir; only at the end do the gals vying for his favor learn that 28-year-old Evan Marriott is really a construction worker making less than $20,000 a year.
How short of cash is Marriott? Short enough to skip out on a highway toll that would have cost no more than $2.50, according to a traffic citation unearthed by the Smoking Gun.
The California Highway Patrol stopped the faux millionaire on Sept. 25 and cited him for toll evasion for zipping past a tollbooth on State Road 73 in Irvine without paying the toll, which, depending on where his trip started, would have cost between 50 cents and $2.50. According to the Smoking Gun, Marriott pleaded guilty and paid the fine of $104.
Marriott is one of several reality-show personalities in recent years to have a less-than-spotless record brought to light. Of course, on ''Joe Millionaire,'' which premieres Jan. 6, deceptive behavior is an asset.
