A Columbus County hog farmer convicted more than a year ago of intentionally discharging hog waste into a Waccamaw River tributary has reported to federal authorities to begin serving a six-month prison term.
    
The News & Observer of Raleigh reported (http://bit.ly/ZSNPmL) William Barry Freedman reported Friday to the U.S. Marshal's Office. The U.S. District Attorney's Office said Freedman also made a $200,000 payment toward the $1.5 million debt he owes.
    
Freedman negotiated a deal with prosecutors when he pleaded guilty to intentionally discharging 324,000 gallons of hog waste into the water.
    
But Freedman failed to make restitution. Prosecutors took the case back to court, saying Freedman transferred property and assets to family members so he could hinder attempts to collect his debt.
    
His attorney disputed that characterization.

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