WASHINGTON, July 2 (DC Times Online) — A federal grand jury in Washington has indicted former U.S. Olympian David Hearn on a felony property-destruction charge tied to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to court records and a statement from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Pirro said prosecutors allege Hearn damaged part of the pool’s newly installed liner or sealant and caused more than $1,000 in damage. Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, denied the accusation and said the defense would challenge the case.
Hearn said he stopped at the Reflecting Pool during a bike ride, reached down to touch a loose piece of blue coating and did not damage the site. He described himself as a curious observer who wanted to inspect the renovated surface.
U.S. Park Police arrested Hearn on June 19 after the encounter at the federal landmark. He was scheduled to appear in D.C. court on July 9.
