A police statement said Lochte would be informed in the U.S. so he could decide whether to introduce a defence in Brazil.
Advertisement
USA swimmer Ryan Lochte holds a press conference on August 3, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, two days ahead of the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Lochte will be informed of the charges in the USA and the indictment will be sent to the International Olympic Committee’s Ethics Division.
Lochte originally claimed that he and three teammates – Gunnar Bentz, James Feigen and Jack Conger – were coming home after a night of partying when their taxi was pulled over by men pretending to be Rio police.
The swimmer later amended the details of his story and apologised for his drunken account.
An investigation by Rio police found that the four athletes were drunk, vandalized a gas station and were detained by armed security until they paid for the damage they’d caused.
The gold medal victor will be informed of the offence of “falsely reporting a crime” in the U.S. so he can decide how to mount his defence, according to a police statement, who have also recommended the International Olympic Committee’s ethics commission receive the document. Rio police rejected this version of events and accused Lochte and the others of lying.
Lochte, who has lost some corporate deals over the incident, has not commented on the charges yet, but will reportedly be appearing on “Dancing With The Stars”.
If convicted of the charges, Lochte could face one to six months in jail, however the judge could choose to levy a fine instead.
Lochte left Brazil shortly after the incident at the gas station took place.
The gold medal victor has since apologised for making up what he described as an exaggerated story about being robbed at gunpoint.
“Just as Pine Bros.is forgiving to your throat, the company asks [the] public for a little forgiveness for an American swimming legend”, the company said in an announcement. Authorities in the U.S. could take the same stance if Mr Lochte is found guilty.
Advertisement
Lochte would be informed in the United States so he could decide whether to introduce a defense in Brazil.
