Lochte Could Receive Six Months in Brazilian Jail

(ATR) A court in Rio de Janeiro wants Ryan Lochte to testify in person for falsifying a police report.

There is no penalty for Lochte not attending the hearing except that he will be tried in absentia. If found guilty of falsifying the report, Lochte could face a sentence of a maximum of six months in jail.

"Once quoted, or not attending the hearing, the penalty is the same, provided by law for falsely communicating the offense of crime: one to six months in prison," Bureau of Special Tourist Service representative Clement Braune told O Globo.

"If it is cited and he does not attend the hearing, the process continues without the presence of the defendant until the final sentence."

The investigation is expected to be completed this week and handed over to the prosecutor. According to Brazilian law Lochte is not allowed to be tried in the United States.

The United States Olympic Committee tells Around the Rings it has "no new information" regarding the Lochte case at this time.

The extradition treaty between the U.S. and Brazil says the authorities of each country will comply with judicial proceedings.

Lochte’s particular case would fall under Article II Item 13 which states, "Persons shall be delivered for prosecution when they have been charged with: The forgery, falsification, theft or destruction of the official acts of public records of the government or public authority, including Courts of Justice, or the uttering or fraudulent use of the same".

Written by Kevin Nutley

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