American swimming hero Ryan Lochte has officially been charged by the Brazilian authorities for filing a false police report.
Lochte will be informed while he remains in America and he’ll have to make a decision about whether to introduce a defense in Brazil, according to USA Today. (RELATED: REPORT: The Authorities In Brazil Lied About Ryan Lochte‘s Actions)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 12: Ryan Lochte of the United States attends a press conference in the Main Press Center on Day 7 of the Rio Olympics on August 12, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
Lochte and three of his swimming teammates were forced to hand over money while two men pointed guns at them at a gas station in Rio during the 2016 Olympics. In America and all other civilized parts of the globe this would likely be a considered a robbery, which is how Lochte reported it.
However, in Brazil handing over money with guns pointed at you is a form of negotiation, which is how the Brazilian authorities have described the situation. (RELATED: Brazil Attempted To Hold American Swimmer Hostage For Almost $50,000)
Lochte and his teammates urinated in some bushes at the gas station and that started the international incident. Police also claimed that the Americans destroyed the bathroom, but that claim has been debunked. The swimmers never entered the bathroom and there was no damage. (RELATED: More Proof Emerges That The Police In Brazil Lied About Ryan Lochte)
This is a developing situation. Check back for more details.