David Hearn update: Former Olympian faces felony charges for vandalizing Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
Former Olympian David Hearn has been indicted by a Washington, D.C., grand jury on felony charges that he damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Thursday.
The charges stem from a June 19 incident in which prosecutors believe Hearn removed part of the sealant protecting the bottom of the reflecting pool.
If convicted, Hearn could face up to 10 years in prison on the property damage charge involving damage exceeding $1,000.
What are the allegations against David Hearn?
Federal prosecutors say Hearn tore off part of the reflective pool’s protective sealant while visiting the National Mall on June 19. Pirro said a National Park Service employee confronted him during the incident.
Hearn responded by questioning why the employee cared about the reflecting pool, allegedly saying it was “not her pool,” according to prosecutors. Authorities later arrested him after he left the area.
Pirro also revealed that investigators are working on several cases of alleged vandalism of the reflecting pools. She said about a half-dozen investigations remain open and indicate some suspects may face misdemeanor charges rather than felony charges.
“One of the most offensive images that sticks in my mind is the image of national monuments being personally demeaned, roped off, torn down, graffitied and vandalized,” she said.
Authorities are also investigating a large crack found in the pool lining.
“This uncontrolled vandalism and civil unrest turned into criminal behavior and that’s why we are here today,” Pirro added.
Report pool maintenance issues
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has come under increased scrutiny in recent months as maintenance issues such as peeling paint, damaged sealant and algae blooms have arisen, raising questions about the condition of the historic landmark.
CBS News reports that the federal government awarded a $1.7 million contract to a company owned by a Trump donor to install a new water cleaning system for the reflecting pool while continuing to work on its ongoing maintenance issues.
A few months into the renovation, the reflecting pool began to turn green, with blue paint peeling from the bottom and floating on the surface.
president Donald Trump Vandalism following the pool’s recent renovations has been repeatedly blamed for the pool’s deteriorating condition.
Hearn denies wrongdoing
Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, has always denied intentionally damaging the monument.
After his arrest last month, he told The Associated Press in an interview that he stopped at the reflecting pool during a 64-mile bike ride and became curious after noticing a piece of loose sealant.
“I’m a curious citizen,” Hearn told The Associated Press. “I reached out to see what it felt like. It was very bouncy,” he said, letting go immediately after park staff instructed him to stop.
Hearn also said authorities detained him for about five hours after the incident.
After Thursday’s indictment, Hearn’s attorney issued a statement insisting he was innocent. They believe the criminal case reflects an attempt by the government to deflect responsibility for ongoing maintenance issues at the reflecting pool.
“The indictment reflects the government’s efforts to shift blame for its failures,” his attorney said, adding that Hearn planned to challenge the charges in court.
