A Columbia respiratory therapist was arrested by a S.C. Department of Revenue investigator today and charged with six counts of evasion of a tax, or property assessment or payment.

John Henry Smith, 42, of 115 E. Springs Road in Columbia, is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center pending a bond hearing.

He is charged with six counts of property tax evasion and/or payment. Smith, the owner of several pieces of rental property in Richland County, is accused of fraudulently obtaining legal residence status on the properties and evading the payment of $33,720 in property taxes.

He is facing up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $60,000 if convicted.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the arrest.