Pubdate: Sat, 14 Feb 2009 Source: New Zealand Herald (New Zealand) Copyright: 2009 New Zealand Herald Contact: http://info.nzherald.co.nz/letters/ Website: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/300 SWIMMING: ARRESTS AIMED AT MAKING DRUG CASE AGAINST PHELPS Police in the South Carolina county where Michael Phelps was photographed with a marijuana pipe have been arresting people as they seek to make a case against the superstar swimmer, lawyers for two arrested people said yesterday. Attorneys Joseph McCulloch and Dick Harpootlian each represent a client charged with possession of marijuana who were questioned about the party Phelps attended near the University of South Carolina campus in November. The lawyers said the two clients lived at the house where the party apparently took place, although they were not at the party. The two have since moved and were arrested after police executed a search warrant at their new home and accused them of having a small amount of marijuana there. "After they arrested him, they didn't ask him, 'Where did you get the marijuana?' or 'Who sold it to you?' Almost all the questions they asked him were about Michael Phelps," Harpootlian said. The lawyers would not name their clients, who each face up to 30 days in jail and a $200 fine if convicted on the pending charges. The Richland County Sheriff's Office would not comment on the lawyers' remarks. "As soon as we're ready to release information on this case we will and we're still in the middle of this investigation," said Lieutenant Chris Cowan. Phelps, 23, has issued a public apology, acknowledging "regrettable" behaviour and "bad judgment". USA Swimming has suspended Phelps for three months and Kellogg has cut ties with him, although other sponsors are sticking with the swimmer. Under South Carolina law, possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanour that carries a fine up to $200 and 30 days in jail for the first offence. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a $500 fine. - - AP - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart