USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Lochte has been charged by Brazilian police with filing a false report over an incident during the Olympics in Rio de Janerio, according to a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports from the Rio police Thursday.

Lochte will be informed of the charges in the United States and can then decide whether to introduce a defense in Brazil. The statement also said a copy of the evidence could be sent to the International Olympic Committee's ethics commission.

"The U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte has been charged with the crime of false communication," the statement read, in part.

Lochte's attorney, Jeffrey Ostrow, said Lochte has not heard from officials in Rio.

“I’m endeavoring to obtain more information and we intend to fully cooperate with the government as we have all along,” Ostrow told USA TODAY Sports.

Lochte initially said that he and three teammmates — fellow swimmers Jack Conger, Gunnar Bentz and Jimmy Feigen — were robbed at gunpoint Aug. 14 by men with a police badge as they returned in a taxi to the Olympic Village from a party. He later amended details, such as a gun being cocked at his forehead.

Brazilian police alleged that the U.S. swimmers vandalized a gas station restroom. But a USA TODAY Sports investigation found that while Lochte pulled down a metal advertisement and the swimmers urinated behind the gas station restroom, there was no other evidence of vandalism.

Ryan Lochte adds Pine Bros., cough drop maker, as new sponsor

In addition, police never questioned the swimmers about the alleged vandalism, according to transcripts of testimony given by the Americans to Rio law enforcement and viewed by USA TODAY Sports.

Feigen was detained in Rio last week and eventually paid about $10,000 in a settlement to avoid charges, though he could have performed community service.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.