Ryan Lochte Officially Charged by Rio Police for Making False Robbery Report
Ryan Lochte will face charges in Brazil over his claim that he was robbed during the recent Rio Olympics.
According to the Associated Press, Lochte was charged Thursday with making false report of robbery after claiming that he and three fellow U.S. swimmers competing in the Olympics were robbed at gunpoint.
However, local authorities soon counter-claimed that the athletes had actually been stopped by armed security guards and accused of vandalizing a gas station restroom.
Also Read: Ryan Lochte Career Comeback? Disgraced Olympian Offered Sex-Toy Gig
Lochte left Brazil early, but his three teammates — James Feigen, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger — were detained and questioned by police, at which point their story began to unravel. All three were eventually released, with Feigen donating $11,000 to a Brazilian charity.
If convicted, Lochte faces up to 18 months in prison. He could be tried in absentia even if he does not appear in Brazilian court.
After the events came to light, a slew of sponsors — including Speedo, Ralph Lauren and mattress company Airweave — severed ties with Lochte. But on Thursday, he was able to line up a new sponsorship with Pine Bros. Softish Throat Drops.
Also Read: Ryan Lochte Tells Matt Lauer It's All His Fault in Rio: 'It Was My Immature Behavior'
Earlier this week, it was also reported that Lochte may join the Season 23 cast of ABC reality TV competition “Dancing With the Stars.”
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