WASHINGTON, July 2 (DC Times Online) — A federal grand jury has indicted former U.S. Olympian David Hearn in Washington, D.C., on a felony property-destruction charge in connection with an alleged incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to court records and statements from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Hearn, a former canoeist, has denied damaging the pool. He told ABC News that he stopped there during a bike ride, reached down to touch a loose piece of blue coating or liner, and then left after being told to stop.
“I did not damage, I did not rip, tear, break, destroy or harm any part of the Reflecting Pool,” Hearn told the outlet. He also said the condition of the pool was unchanged when he walked away.
Hearn said U.S. Park Police arrested him after the interaction. In earlier interviews, he said he had no idea he was about to be arrested.
Pirro said the government believes Hearn intentionally removed newly installed sealant and caused more than $1,000 in damage, according to reporting that cited her statement. Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, has said the defense will challenge the case, telling The Hill, “There’s no justification for this. We plan to challenge it vigorously.”
