Michael Phelps may face criminal charges for his photography smoking cannabis
Possession of marijuana is a crime in South Carolina, punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment or a fine of 440 euros.
Michael Phelps could face criminal charges after the publication of a photograph that appeared in smoking cannabis in a pipe during a party student at the University of South Carolina. According to the newspaper The State of Columbia police are investigating the case as any other of this type. "This case is no different to another. This would be much easier because we have pictures of someone taking drugs and a partial confession. It is a relatively easy once we determine where the crime occurred," said police spokesman Richland County, Leon Lott.
Following publication of the photograph in News of the World, winner of eight gold medals in past Olympic Games in Beijing apologized, calling his behavior as "inappropriate."
The International Olympic Committee accepted his apology, while U.S. officials considered the news as "disappointing", but said that smoking marijuana outside of the competition is not an issue that affects combat doping.
Possession of marijuana is a crime in South Carolina, punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment or a fine of $ 570 (440 euros), plus court costs, according to The State.