Reuters reported that the statement said police had recommended that prosecutors lodge charges against Lochte for falsely reporting a crime, which the news agency says is a minor misdemeanor typically punishable by a fine. LochteGate continues. Now that U.S. Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte is back on American soil, one would think his problems with the Brazilian police would be over, right?
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The court’s decision will be forwarded to the International Olympic Committee’s ethics commission, according to the police statement.
His lawyers insist they have yet to gain receipt of the charges, but state they “intend to fully co-operate” with Rio lawmakers.
Lochte and three other USA swimmers, Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger and James Feigen, said they were robbed at gunpoint after the cab they were in was pulled over.
When he refused, one of the men placed the pistol against the swimmer’s head, and he then handed over his wallet, Lochte had said.
Rio police officials claim that the swimmers vandalized the bathroom at the gas station and urinated on the building. Amid the turmoil engulfing Ryan Lochte and three other U.S. swimmers over their mugging story, Rio organisers on August 18, 2016 gave them words of sympathy.
Under Brazilian law the crime carries a maximum sentence of 18 months, and Lochte can be tried in absentia.
When BBC asked Lochte’s lawyer if the USA swimmer and gold medalist would make a public statement on the charge, he said Lochte would “not be”.
Ryan Lochte had to see this coming. After speaking to the TODAY show last week, Lochte apologized for fabricating the story.
He has admitted he was drunk and apologised but he now has to decide whether or not to return to Brazil to answer the charges.
Lochte, a member of the US’s successful 4×200 metres freestyle relay team at Rio 2016, flew out of Brazil after the Games before he could be questioned about the alleged false claim. However, on Thursday he picked up a new sponsor – Pine Bros.
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An extradition treaty exists between the United States and Brazil, but if Lochte is convicted US authorities could also choose not to extradite the swimmer.
