Looks like the Richland County, South Carolina Sheriff wants to become the next Joe Arpaio or Wyatt Earp by getting tough on the notorious criminal that is Michael Phelps. He believes they have a slam dunk case given the picture of him smoking a bong & his almost confession.

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Personally, I believe they would have one hell of a time proving anything, as he hasn't come right out and said what he was doing totally. Furthermore, I think this is just a further example of what is wrong with our criminal justice system. Instead of going after serious criminals and serious crimes, too often these law enforcement hacks try to criminalize every picture of teens drinking on Myspace, and, in this case, trying to have Michael Phelps charged with a crime because he sees a picture of him smoking a bong. The whole de-criminalization of marijuana issue not withstanding, personally I'm tired of idiots like this guy and Joe Arpaio who want to take their status as a Sheriff, and turn it into celebrity status. I'm really tired of these agents of the criminal justice system who think they are entitled to their 15 minutes of fame. And the idiots in the media who are right there to more than willingly give it to them.

There is no way they can prove a real crime occurred (not to mention the whole victimless crime aspect), as whatever was in the bong is clearly burned up by now. Though most people would agree that if someone is smoking a bong, there is likely marijuana in it, but you can smoke tobacco in it too.

When will we as a nation concentrate our efforts on serious crimes and let the petty crap slide (as, by law, everyone does have discretion)? Not as long as we allow the criminal justice system remain a profitable cottage industry, that's for sure.