Case Dismissed Against Olympian in Reflecting Pool Vandalism
In a turn of events, federal prosecutors have dropped charges against former Olympian David Hearn regarding the alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. What was initially perceived as an act of vandalism has now been attributed to a construction error.
Former Olympian David Hearn with attorney Norman Eisen at Moultrie Courthouse. Finn Gomez/Getty Images North America
Hearn, 67, had been accused of causing over $1,000 in damage to the recently renovated pool. He had consistently denied these allegations, claiming his interaction with the pool was limited to touching the water out of curiosity. The prosecution had initially argued that Hearn damaged the pool by removing a piece of sealant.
In a surprising reversal, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. stated on Friday that the initial charges were based on preliminary reports from the Department of the Interior and U.S. Park Police. New evidence showed that the damage was due to “flawed installation by the contractor,” Atlantic Industrial Coatings, and was not an act of vandalism.
The revelation further explains that the project was expedited in anticipation of the America 250 celebrations, leading to construction errors.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro had earlier described the incident as a “deliberate act to damage the reflecting pool.” However, the new findings have cleared Hearn of any wrongdoing.
Efforts to reach the Department of the Interior for further comments are ongoing.
