Jake Paul is facing up to 12 months behind bars after being filmed in a shopping centre which was being looted during last year’s George Floyd riots.
The YouTuber turned boxer was seen at the Arizona mall where the scene happened but denied being involved in the incident.
According to TMZ via SPORTbible, Paul has been charged by authorities despite federal police not pursuing their initial charges due to their not being enough evidence against the 24-year-old.
Those around Paul were seen vandalising the mall as well as breaking windows and dismantling kiosks but he was there filming the scenes.
“For context, we spent the day doing our part to peacefully protest one of the most horrific injustices our country has ever seen, which led to use being tear-gassed for filming the events and brutality that were unfolding in Arizona,” Paul stated.
“We were gassed and forced to keep moving on foot. We filmed everything we saw in an effort to share our experience and bring more attention to the anger felt in every neighbourhood we travelled through; we were strictly documenting, not engaging.
“I do not condone violence, looting, or breaking the law; however, I understand the anger and frustration that led to the destruction we witnessed and while it’s not the answer, it’s important that people see it and collectively figure out how to move forward in a healthy way.
“We are all doing the best we can to be helpful and raise awareness; this is not the time to attack each other, it’s time to join together and evolve.”
Paul is set to return to the boxing ring and defend his unbeaten 3-0 record when he faces Tyron Woodley, a former UFC welterweight champion.