A man from Atlantic City is facing a federal charge of using social media to participate in, and carry on a riot after investigators reviewed posts on his Facebook page.

 

The charge stems from a protest Sunday night in Atlantic City that began peacefully, but eventually featured looting and vandalism at outlet stores in the city.

According to a criminal complaint, police arrested Carlos Matchett, 30, at the scene and confiscated a folding knife, a hatchet and a jar containing what appeared to be gasoline.

Matchett’s Facebook page allegedly contained a post stating “LETS START a RIOT” as well as a video Matchett filmed showing him urging people to enter a store.

The charge carries a maximum prison term of five years.

AP wire services helped contribute to this report.