Ryan Lochte Robbery Called Into Question by Rio Judge

Swimmer, along with U.S. Olympic teammate James Feigen, is issued search and seizure warrants

RyanLochte

A Brazilian judge has ordered search and seizure warrants for U.S. Olympic swimmers Ryan Lochte and James Feigen, who said they were robbed at gunpoint over the weekend.

The judge also ordered the seizure of the swimmers’ passports. Police are hoping to question Lochte and Feigen about the alleged robbery, who are no longer believed to be in the country.

This morning The Daily Mail published surveillance video that appears to show the swimmers laughing and smiling as they returned to the Olympic Village on the night of the purported robbery, as well as records retrieved by investigators from an X-ray machine they passed through upon entering the village which show that the men were in possession of the items they claimed in sworn statements were stolen.

According to the Daily Mail, the false communication of a crime carries a maximum sentence of three years under Brazilian law.

Earlier this week, Lochte’s mother told USA Today that he and several teammates were robbed by a group of people carrying guns and knives. The Associated Press said Lochte’s father told them Ryan was already back in the U.S. before the judge issued the order.

“I’m just happy he’s safe,” the elder Lochte told the AP. “It was an unfortunate experience for him and the other three. I don’t know what all the controversy is. They were basically taken out of the taxi and robbed. The main thing is he’s very lucky that he’s safe and that all they got was his cash and wallet.”

Feigen’s whereabouts are currently unknown, according to the AP.

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