The
department's chief has requested a letter be sent to Lochte explaining
the legal process related to the charges, according to a statement. The 12-time Olympic medalist will now be summoned to Rio, according to Tourist Support Special Precinct officials.
Lochte can opt to send a lawyer and does not need to appear in court. If
convicted, Lochte, 32, could face between one to six months in jail,
although the judge could choose to levy a fine instead.
There would be
no negotiations in that case, Clemente Braune, a commissioner with the
Special Tourist Police in Rio, said Thursday. Lochte would also have the opportunity to appeal any decision. Jeffrey Ostrow, Ryan Lochte's attorney, told CNN he has not heard from Brazilian authorities.