Brazilian Police Charge Ryan Lochte with Filing a False Report
Authorities in Brazil have charged Ryan Lochte with filing a false police report after it was revealed that the swimmer and his three U.S. teammates had lied about being robbed at gunpoint in Rio earlier this month.
"The investigation was concluded on Thursday and Olympic American swimmer Ryan Lochte was indicted for the crime of falsely reporting a crime," a statement from police read.
The statement went on to say that Lochte should soon receive a letter detailing the legal process in introducing a defense against these charges, and that a copy of the indictment will be sent to the International Olympic Committee's ethics commission. At this time, his attorney, Jeffrey Ostrow, says they have not yet heard from police.
"I'm endeavoring to obtain more information and we intend to fully cooperate with the government as we have all along," he told USA Today.
While Lochte will be summoned to Rio to testify in the case, CNN reports that he can opt to send a lawyer in his place. If convicted, Lochte could face up to six months in jail, but given the nature of the case, it's likely a judge would instead charge him with a hefty fine. According to The Associated Press, the case has already been turned over to a special court in Brazil that deals with all crimes related to major sporting events.
Earlier this month, Lochte told police that he and U.S. swimming teammates Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz, and Jack Conger had been robbed at gunpoint after a night of partying in Rio. It was soon revealed, however, that the group - with Lochte as the mastermind - had come up with the story to hide the fact that they had vandalized a local gas station.
Additional reporting from The Associated Press.
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