In the wake of Rio ‘robbery’ fiasco, Brazilian authorities have now charged 12-time Olympic medalist US swimming star Ryan Lochte, 32, with making a false statement. Police investigation revealed that Lochte and 3 other US swimmers James Feigen, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger lied about being robbed at gunpoint when they were returning by taxi from a club in Rio.
Turns out, they actually vandalized a gas station and urinated on the walls outside and were asked to pay for it..
According to Rio Police, Lochte was charged with the crime of falsely reporting a crime and authorities have recommended the courts to issue a summons for him to be questioned. If convicted, Lochte could face between one to six months in jail, although the judge could choose to levy a fine instead.
“Once he is summoned, whether he turns up or not, the penalty is the same: one to six months’ prison. If he is summoned and does not turn up to the hearing, the trial will go ahead in the accused’s absence until the final sentence is given.”
However, Lochte can opt to send a lawyer and does not need to appear in court. The charge is not an extraditable offense and he can’t be forced to return to Brazil by American courts.
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