New evidence from the Aug. 14 altercation between U.S. Olympic swimmers and Rio de Janeiro security guards appears to vindicate some of the athletes’ claims.
Ryan Lochte, Gunnar Bentz, Jimmy Feigen and Jack Conger were called “liars” after Mr. Lochte claimed to have been robbed at gunpoint outside a gas station bathroom. A Brazilian judge now says that police hastily cleared security guards of a crime, and an on-site investigation by USA Today seems to vindicate Mr. Lochte’s later account of the incident.
The newspaper sent its videographer to the gas station last Thursday to verify Rio Police Chief Fernando Veloso’s claim that the U.S. swimmers broke a mirror and a soap dispenser inside the bathroom. He found nothing to indicate that either part was damaged.
Mr. Bentz has maintained from the beginning that he did not see any such vandalism occur.
What has been established is that Mr. Lochte did tear down an advertisement from inside the bathroom, badges were flashed at the swimmers, guns were drawn, and cash was exchanged before they were allowed to leave.
USA Today noted that Rio authorities have declined to identify the guards or offer any details beyond confirming that they are members of law enforcement.
SEE ALSO: Ryan Lochte, James Feigen charges recommended by Brazilian police
Fernando Deluz, a witness to the altercation, spoke to the newspaper about the incident for its investigation.
“As soon as they drew their weapons, that’s when I got worried,” Mr. Deluz, a disc jockey, said Saturday, USA Today reported. “It was also so fast, and what I wanted was to resolve the situation. If it hadn’t been for wanting to resolve that, if I hadn’t involved myself, I thought — the police chief told me, ’Man, if you hadn’t gone there in that moment, a tragedy could have occurred.’”
Mr. Lochte recently told NBC’s Matt Lauer that he takes “full responsibility” for the international fallout because he “overexaggerated” details of the alcohol-fueled night.
Brazilian police have charged Mr. Lochte of filing a false police report. He may face up to six months in prison and a fine. Mr. Feigen has already paid a $11,000 fine, which will be donated to a charity to avoid prosecution.
Mr. Bentz and Mr. Conger face no charges.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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