Federal prosecutors have decided to dismiss the criminal charges against former U.S. Olympian David “Davey” Hearn. They concluded that the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was due to flawed installation, not vandalism.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C., filed a motion to dismiss the charge of felony destruction of government property. This decision emerged after new evidence indicated the pool’s liner failed because of installation defects. Prosecutors recognized that the evidence no longer supported claims that Hearn intentionally caused the damage.
Initial Allegations Against Hearn
Hearn, a three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist, faced indictment earlier this year. Authorities initially accused him of pulling up sections of the Reflecting Pool’s newly installed blue liner during a visit to the National Mall in June. The government claimed the damage surpassed $1,000, leading to a felony charge that could have meant a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
From the onset, Hearn denied any intent to harm the memorial. He stated he had noticed parts of the liner already peeling during a bike ride and only handled a loose section. His attorneys argued he was wrongfully blamed for issues linked to the pool’s recent renovation.
Evidence Supporting Dismissal
Throughout the case, investigators found evidence that the liner had been separating from the pool before Hearn’s arrival. The court concluded that the Reflecting Pool’s bottom had started peeling almost immediately after work completion, as mentioned in Friday’s filing.
The decision to dismiss the case signifies a large shift from the government’s original accusations. The Reflecting Pool underwent a major renovation before reopening, yet liner peeling and other defects prompted criticism of the construction work. The latest government filing now focuses on construction quality instead of Hearn.
National Impact of the Case
This case drew national interest due to Hearn’s status as an Olympian and the incident’s connection to one of the country’s most notable memorials. Prosecutors now acknowledge that construction defects, not intentional vandalism, are at fault, concluding the criminal case.
This is a breaking news story, updates to follow.