Tag brazilian authorities charge olympic swimmer ryan lochte with false crime report

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Breaking News:

Brazilian authorities have charged Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte with filing a false crime report after he claimed to have been robbed at gunpoint during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

According to reports, Lochte and three other US swimmers - Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger, and Jimmy Feigen - were at a gas station in Barra da Tijuca, a neighborhood in western Rio, when they claimed to have been robbed by men posing as police officers.

However, an investigation by Brazilian authorities found that the swimmers had actually vandalized a gas station bathroom and were confronted by security guards, who demanded they pay for the damages. The guards then called the police, who arrived and took the swimmers' statements.

Lochte, who is a 12-time Olympic medalist, initially claimed that he and his teammates were robbed at gunpoint, sparking widespread outrage and concern for their safety. However, the investigation revealed that the incident was not a robbery, but rather a case of vandalism and disorderly conduct.

As a result, Lochte has been charged with filing a false crime report, which is a criminal offense in Brazil. He could face up to 18 months in prison if convicted.

The other three swimmers, Bentz, Conger, and Feigen, have also been charged with the same offense.

This incident has sparked a heated debate about the behavior of international athletes during the Olympics and the handling of the incident by Brazilian authorities.

Reactions:

• Brazilian authorities have been criticized for their handling of the incident, with some accusing them of being too lenient on the swimmers.
• Lochte has apologized for his actions, saying that he was "embarrassed" and "ashamed" of what happened.
• The US Olympic Committee has also apologized for Lochte's behavior, saying that it does not condone the filing of false crime reports.

What's next:

Lochte is expected to appear in court in Brazil to face the charges. If convicted, he could face up to 18 months in prison and a fine.

The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the behavior of international athletes during the Olympics and the need for greater accountability and respect for local laws and customs.

Sources:

• BBC News: "Ryan Lochte charged over false robbery claim"
• CNN: "Ryan Lochte charged with filing false police report in Rio"
• The New York Times: "Ryan Lochte Charged in Brazil Over False Robbery Claim"