Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott said that if he could prove that U.S. Olympian Michael Phelps smoked marijuana in his county, Phelps could face criminal charges.

Lott said:

This case is no different than any other case.

This one might be a lot easier since we have photographs of someone using drugs and a partial confession. It’s a relatively easy case once we can determine where the crime occurred.

Lott was referring to Michael Phelps’ confession that a picture that the British tabloid News of the World released of Phelps smoking marijuana from a bong was authentic.

Michael Phelps issued a statement earlier this week:

I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment. I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.

The bong incident occurred at a party being held by students at the University of South Carolina in Columbia last November.

In South Carolina, possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $570 fine, plus court costs.

Here’s to hoping he gets the 30 days in jail!