Federal prosecutors have dropped a felony vandalism charge against former U.S. Olympian David Hearn. The case involved allegations of vandalizing the reflecting pools in Washington, D.C.
Hearn was indicted on July 2, accused of tugging at a damaged section of the pool’s coating on June 19. The indictment followed claims of over $1,000 in damage caused by Hearn, despite warnings from a National Park Service employee.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Jeanine Pirro, later cited missing documentation from the Department of the Interior (DOI) as a factor in their decision to dismiss the case. The DOI initially provided incomplete reports, failing to mention pre-existing installation flaws with the pool’s coating.
“Had DOI been forthcoming with the information clearly in its possession, the government would not have sought a grand jury indictment,” prosecutors explained.
The DOI later revealed records indicating that the damage resulted from defective installation by Atlantic Industrial Coatings. The flaws arose during a hurried project completion before America 250 celebrations linked to Independence Day 2026.
The Department of Justice found the new evidence insufficient to prove Hearn’s liability beyond a reasonable doubt, prompting the dismissal of the indictment without prejudice. This move keeps open the possibility of future charges.
Hearn has a history of prevailing against federal charges. Nearly 30 years ago, Hearn was arrested by U.S. Park Police after he defied an emergency closure by canoeing on the flood-level Potomac River. He was charged with failing to obey a lawful order, but a federal judge dismissed the case, ruling a lack of jurisdiction by the Park Police over the river.
Recently, journalist Emily Miller captured and shared footage of Hearn’s arrest on social media, drawing significant attention. The footage alleged he obstructed National Park Service employees, but Hearn denies these accusations, aside from admitting possible contact between his bike tire and their equipment.
Hearn’s legal team calls for an apology from the government, criticizing what they described as misuse of power in formulating charges. Attorneys Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann, and Steve Levin expressed this sentiment in a statement made to the New York Post, highlighting the administration’s flawed approach in prosecuting Hearn.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from the DOI regarding the matter. Sports reporter Jackson Thompson continues to cover this evolving story, bringing an investigative perspective to political and cultural aspects impacting sports.