RIO — Brazilian police have formally charged Ryan Lochte Thursday for allegedly filing a false robbery report in conjunction with the infamous incident at a gas station in Rio.
Fox News reportsthe formal charges were filed Thursday, and a police statement indicates Lochte will be informed in the United States about the development so he can decide whether or not to introduce a defense in Brazil.
The indictment will also be sent to the International Olympic Comittee’s ethics commission.
According to Fox News, the maximum penalty for falsely filing a crime in Brazil is 18 months in prison. Lochte could be tried in absentia if he does not return to Brazil to face the charge.
Last week, Lochte released a statement saying he is sorry “for not being more careful and candid in how I described the events.”