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Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn has been indicted on a felony destruction of property charge after being arrested last month at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, District of Columbia. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, and the case was filed Thursday in D.C. Superior Court following the June 19 incident.
Hearn, 67, is accused of damaging government property when he touched a detached piece of the pool’s newly-installed blue liner. Hearn, who stopped by the pool after a 52-mile bicycle ride, said he only reached into the water to feel the loose material and did not break or destroy anything. “I did not remove, I did not damage, I did not rip, tear, break, destroy or harm any part of the Reflecting Pool,” Hearn told ABC News. He also stated that the pool was in the same condition when he left as when he arrived.
Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, said they plan to contest the charges. Hearn also said he was not read his Miranda rights, was unable to make a phone call, and was held for nearly five hours before being released. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 9.
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool recently underwent a $14.65 million renovation, but has faced criticism due to algae blooms and peeling paint shortly after reopening. President Donald Trump has claimed, without evidence, that vandalism caused the damage and announced that multiple people were arrested for allegedly sabotaging the pool. Federal authorities have reported several arrests and citations related to vandalism at the site.
As the case moves forward, Hearn has received offers of pro bono legal representation and says he will vigorously defend himself against the charges.