SC Sheriff Vows to Prosecute Phelps for Pot

Says if Olympian toked in his jurisdiction, it'll be an 'easy case'
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 3, 2009 12:28 PM CST
SC Sheriff Vows to Prosecute Phelps for Pot
In this Sept. 8, 2008 file photo, Michael Phelps is hugged by children after sharing his Olympic experience during a visit to the Boys and Girls Club of Burbank, in Burbank, Calif.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

A South Carolina sheriff says he’ll charge Michael Phelps with whatever crimes he can if the Olympian smoked pot in his jurisdiction, the State reports. “This case is no different than any other,” the Richland County sheriff said yesterday. “This one might be a lot easier since we have photographs and a partial confession.” Marijuana possession is a misdemeanor, which could land Phelps a 30-day stint in jail.

First, the sheriff would have to determine whether Phelps smoked within Richland County. So far it’s unclear where Phelps did his partying, and no one else seemed intent on nabbing him. Both the USC and Columbia police departments say they won’t pursue charges. (More Michael Phelps stories.)

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