Judge orders Ryan Lochte, James Feigen to stay in Brazil as robbery investigation continues

Credit: Matt Hazlett

Credit: Matt Hazlett

A Brazilian judge has ordered two American Olympic athletes to surrender their passports as authorities investigate a claim that they were robbed at gunpoint by people posing as police officers during the Rio Olympic Games.

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The office of Judge Keylan Blank confirmed to The Associated Press that swimmers Ryan Lochte and James Feigen were to have their passports seized. However, Lochte's father told the wire service his son had returned to the United States before the order was issued.

It was not clear if Feigen remained in the country.

Patrick Sandusky, chief external affairs officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee, said officers asked to meet with the swimmers Wednesday morning to get their passports.

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“The swim team moved out of the (Olympic) Village after their competition ended, so we were not able to make the athletes available,” Sandisky said. “Additionally, as part of our standard security protocol, we do not make athlete travel plans public and therefore cannot confirm the athletes’ current location. We will continue to cooperate with Brazilian authorities.”

Four members of the U.S. Olympics Swimming Team – Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger, Feigen and Lochte – said they were robbed Sunday as they took a taxi from France House to the Olympic Village, the Olympic Committee said.

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“Their taxi was stopped by individuals posing as armed police officers who demanded the athletes' money and other personal belongings,” the Committee said in a statement. “All four athletes are safe and cooperating with authorities.”

A police official told The Associated Press authorities have not been able to verify that the robbery took place. Speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, the officials said police have been unable to find witnesses or the swimmers' taxi driver.

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