RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — A man faces up to five years in prison after he allegedly failed to pay for more than $7,000 of sod and allegedly disposed of it.

The Richland County Sheriff's Department said the incident began when the suspect, 57-year-old Paul Praillaeu purchased the sod from a local turf business in 2022. However, he reportedly failed to pay for the sod after it was put in place and, as of Aug. 1, 2025, still had not paid the more than $7,000 in invoices.

The sheriff's department said in its statement that it's illegal to purchase agricultural commodities or produce and dispose of them without paying the seller. As such, Praillaeu was charged with making away with commodities before payment, which is a felony and carries a sentence of up to five years in prison.

He has since

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