Jake Paul could spend up to 12 months behind bars after being accused of criminal trespassing in relation to 'looting’ in Arizona protests

YOUTUBER Jake Paul could spend up to 12 months behind bars after being charged by local authorities with two criminal misdemeanours.

The film was taken in an Arizona mall that was looted during George Floyd riots. However, the wannabe boxer has denied any involvement.

According to American website TMZ local authorities filed charges against the 24-year old after federal cops dropped their case against him.

Paul was charged in May 2020 with criminal trespass, and unlawful assembly.

These charges are believed to have been dropped by the federal government during an investigation, but they were revived following the withdrawal.

According to reports, the Feds could not pursue their case because there was no evidence against Paul.

According to the incident, it took place at Scottsdale's shopping center in May 2020, just days after Floyd's death.

Paul was amongst a group of people who broke glass windows and destroyed kiosks.NOTAny damage can be seen.

Paul refuted the claims in a May 2020 statement: "To be completely clear, neither me nor anyone else in our group were engaged in any looting and vandalism."

"For context, we spent a day peacefully protesting one of the worst injustices our country has ever witnessed. This led to us being tear-gassed to film the brutality and events that were taking place in Arizona.

"We were gassed, and had to continue walking on foot. In an effort to share our experience, and draw more attention to the anger felt by every neighborhood we visited, we recorded everything. We were not engaging but documenting.

"I don't condone violence, looting or breaking the law. However, I can understand the frustration and anger that led to the destruction. While it's not the solution, it's essential that everyone sees it and work together to find a way forward.

"We all do our best to help others and raise awareness. This is not the time for us to attack one another, but it's the right time to work together and grow."