A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., has indicted former Olympic canoeist David Hearn on a felony property-destruction charge tied to alleged damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
David Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was indicted on a felony charge stemming from a June 19 incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to a Justice Department statement.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said the indictment alleges Hearn ripped a piece of newly installed blue sealant or liner material from the bottom of the pool, describing the act as deliberate and saying it caused more than $1,000 in damage.
Hearn has denied intentionally damaging the site. In published accounts, he has said he briefly touched the peeling coating to examine it and stopped when asked by a worker.
The case comes amid scrutiny of the Reflecting Pool’s recent renovation. Recent reporting has described problems after the project reopened, including sections of the new coating or sealant peeling and other maintenance issues.
Court records and reporting on the indictment indicate Hearn is due back in court in early July.
