Ryan Lochte Refuses Brazilian Plea Bargain
Swimmer Ryan Lochte may just be a fish both in and out of water. He is currently facing criminal charges in a Brazilian court as a result of lying to the police while in the country for the Summer Games. He was offered a plea deal that would have ended the whole fiasco with merely a fine, but, for some inexplicable reason, he rejected the offer. He potential faces some time in a Brazilian jail.
The Olympian falsely claimed that he and three fellow swimmers were robbed at a gas station while returning home from a night of clubbing. However, his tale of woe was quickly discovered to be a tale of lies. Just like in the USA, lying to police in Brazil is a crime. After Lochte lied to the police, it was learned that Lochte and his swimming buds had actually urinated on the gas station and broken the bathroom door.
International Criminal Charges
While Lochte was able to evade arrest by leaving the country, his trial will go on whether or not he is present. Although the US and Brazil do have an extradition agreement, whether or not Lochte will be extradited is unknown, though it seems highly unlikely. Generally, extradition is reserved for more serious crimes.
The other swimmers present with Lochte during the incident were taken into custody in order to obtain statements. Of the three, one has accepted a plea deal with Brazilian authorities that involved no jail time and a $10,000 fine.
Lochte Can't Compete for 10 Months
As a result of the lie, Lochte was suspended from competition for 10 months by the US Olympic Committee, as well as the International Olympic Committee. The other three received four month suspensions for their involvement. However, for Lochte, who has been at the center of the scandal, more has been lost. As a result of the incident he has lost sponsors, including one from Speedo, and many speculate he was voted off Dancing with the Stars because of this as well.
Related Resources:
- Find Criminal Defense Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
- A Swimmer's Tale: Ryan Lochte Floats Robbery Fantasy, Story Sinks (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
- What Are the Penalties for Lying to a Cop? (FindLaw's Blotter)
- In Trouble Overseas? How the U.S. Embassy Can Help. (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)