Douche of the year: Opportunistic parasite who sold picture of Phelps sucking down a bong load. Did s/he not think somebody would be really bummed? I wonder how much s/he got paid to sell out friends?

Runner up: Dude who tried to sell said bong on eBay for $100K.

 The latter rocket scientist–who wasn’t even home when the photo-op pot party happened–has been arrested with seven others as Richland County sheriffs served warrants in the case.  There were seven arrests for drug possession and one for distribution.

Phelps is not one of those charged at this point, but the sheriff’s department says they have strong evidence that matches the photo to the house on Blossom Street, so who knows when or if the Olympic star will be hauled in. South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford told Geraldo Rivera on Sunday

I don’t see what it gets at this point.

and his spokesperson says the governor stands by his quote today after the arrests.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says the picture indicated a law was being broken in his jurisdiction and that couldn’t ignore the violation just because Phelps is rich and famous. Nor does it seem that the sheriff is ignoring that others were lighting up fatties. The Columbia Police Department decided not to initiate or take an active role in the investigation, despite the hippie-lettuce house being within the city boundaries.

According toNORML’s website, in South Carolina, possession of one half ounce or less of marijuana is punishable by up to 30 days in jail, with a possible fine of $100-$200. Possession of paraphernalia (that would be the bong) is a civil fine of $500. Distribution of under less than 10 lbs is a felony punishable by five years in jail and $5,000 fine. 

South Carolina also requires that marijuana be afixed with a tax stamp. In other words, those who possess marijuana are legally required to purchase and affix state-issued stamps onto his or her contraband. Failure to do so may result in a fine and/or criminal sanction. The tax rate is $3.50 a gram if owner possesses 42.5 grams or more. I wonder how you apply for those stamps and if doing so will get you busted?

No word if the pot-parazzi was amongst those arrested, but that would be some chronic justice.