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Ryan Lochte to be summoned to testify in front of Brazil's justice department

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

According to multiple reports, Ryan Lochte will be summoned to testify in front of Brazil’s justice department, as police continue their investigation into the swimmer’s claims following a late-night incident with armed security guards at a Rio gas station during this summer’s Olympics.

Lochte had said that he and three other U.S. swimmers were pulled over in their taxi and robbed at gunpoint on their way home from a party on Aug. 14. Video evidence, though, showed that the swimmers were not pulled over and were instead approached by security guards who alleged that they vandalized a gas station bathroom. Lochte then apologized for his initial comments, saying he “over-exaggerated” parts of the story.

Police questioned the three other swimmers involved in the incident before allowing them to leave Brazil, but Lochte had already flown home before he could meet with authorities.

Lochte does not face a penalty if he chooses not to head back to Brazil to testify, but it would hinder his ability to make a plea deal in the case. No charges have been filed against Lochte as police continue their inquiry.

According to Fox News, Brazil’s civil police department is expected to conclude its investigation this week. Should charges be filed against Lochte, the Brazilian government could ask U.S. authorities to extradite him.