New York, Feb 4 : Olympic golden boy Michael Phelps is likely to face criminal charges after being photographed with a marijuana pipe.

The pics published in Britain''s News of the World, showing the eight times Olympic gold medallist using a bong, were taken in November at a University of South Carolina house party.

The sheriff''s department in the South Carolina town may file charges against the 23-year-old swimmer.

"The Richland County Sheriff''s Department is making an effort to determine if Mr. Phelps broke the law," the New York Daily News quoted Sheriff Leon Lott, as saying in the statement.

After the controversial pics surfaced, Phelps released a statement apologising for his `inappropriate conduct'.

However, it isn''t clear when - or if - any charges will actually be pressed against the ace swimmer.

The photos are not specific where the event actually took place, or if it even happened within the college campus.

"If he [broke the law] he will be charged in the same manner as anyone else. The sheriff has a responsibility to be fair, to enforce the law and to not turn a blind eye because someone is a celebrity," said Richland County Sheriff''s Department. (ANI)