Former Olympian David Hearn Pleads Not Guilty to Reflecting Pool Damage
Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn entered a not-guilty plea to a felony charge of property destruction after allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool during its recent renovation.
A Washington D.C. Superior Court hearing on Thursday saw former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn, 67, plead not guilty to a felony count of property destruction involving the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn, a Bethesda resident, was indicted last week for allegedly causing more than $1,000 in damage to the pool’s newly applied sealant.
According to Hearn’s account, he reached into the pool to examine a peeled coating after a park worker instructed him to let go of a detached piece. Prosecutors allege he removed a portion of the sealant and acted belligerently toward the employee.
"Every American should be alarmed about this prosecution," defense attorney Norm Eisen said after the plea.
The judge did not impose any supervision conditions while Hearn remains free pending a trial, scheduling a status hearing for Aug. 5. Prosecutor Kevin Reddington requested a stay-away order but did not specify the restricted area.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting Hearn’s name as he left the courtroom. Hearn smiled and raised his hand to the crowd but did not make a statement.
The case occurs amid ongoing issues with the pool’s multi-million-dollar renovation, which has faced problems such as coating failures and algae growth. Federal officials have also arrested six others on misdemeanor charges related to the project.