U.S. swimmers removed from flight by Brazilian authorities amidst robbery investigation

4 U.S. swimmers said they were robbed at gunpoint in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO – The United States Olympic Committee announced Wednesday that U.S. Olympic swimmers Jack Conger and Gunnar Bentz were removed from their flight to the United States by Brazilian authorities, according to the Associated Press.

A Brazilian judge ordered two teammates of Conger and Bentz --  U.S. swimmers Ryan Lochte and Jimmy Feigen -- to stay in Brazil as authorities investigate their claim that they were robbed during the Olympics.

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Lochte has already returned to the United States, his father confirmed to the AP Wednesday.

The office of Judge Keyla Blank confirmed an order to seize the passports of Lochte and Feigen Wednesday in a statement.

The four swimmers said they were robbed at gunpoint in a taxi Sunday morning as they returned to the athletes' village from a party. One of the bandits reportedly put a gun to Lochte's forehead, according to CNN.

The vehicle was "stopped by individuals posing as armed police officers who demanded the athletes' money and other personal belongings," said USOC spokesman Patrick Sandusky.

"We got pulled over, in the taxi, and these guys came out with a police badge, no lights, no nothing -- just a police badge and they pulled us over," Lochte told NBC. "They pulled out their guns, they told the other swimmers to get down on the ground -- they got down on the ground. I refused, I was like we didn't do anything wrong, so -- I'm not getting down on the ground."

Police said they have found little evidence to support the robbery claim. Lochte's attorney said there's no question the robbery happened.


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Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.