David Hearn Faces 10-Year Charge in Lincoln Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case
Updated
Updated · WJLA · Jul 9
David Hearn Faces 10-Year Charge in Lincoln Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case
3 articles · Updated · WJLA · Jul 9
Summary
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, is due in D.C. Superior Court at 9:30 a.m. Thursday after a grand jury indicted him on a felony destruction-of-property charge tied to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Prosecutors say Hearn ripped up about two square feet of the pool’s newly installed liner with his bare hands during a June 19 incident, putting the alleged damage above the $1,000 threshold.
Hearn denies damaging or peeling any part of the pool, while supporters plan to rally outside the courthouse urging that the charge be dropped.
The arraignment comes as crews drain the Reflecting Pool again—the second time in three months—after July 4 fireworks debris, adding to recent problems including algae, peeling paint and other vandalism.
CNN also reported that three other people have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor property-destruction charges over allegedly removing blue sealant from the same landmark.