Judge Todd Edelman of the Superior Court in Washington approved the Justice Department's request to drop the vandalism charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn in a two-page order.
The department said information provided since the indictment of former Olympic canoeist David Hearn revealed the damage was the result of a “flawed installation by the contractor."
Prosecutors have to show not only that a former Olympian acted with malice, but that he destroyed property worth more than $1,000. Experts say it’s a tall order.
Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn is facing a felony charge after federal prosecutors alleged he damaged the Lincoln Memorial's Reflecting Pool. The Hill's Sophie Brams and Ryan Mancini break down U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s announcement, the Justice Department’s claims, and the response from Hearn’s attorneys. Watch the full episode here: https://thehill.com/newsletters/the-gavel/the-gavel-live-briefing/5959169-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-legal-battle-live-discussion/ #olympian #davidhearn #lincolnmemorial #reflectingpool #washingtondc #dc #justicedepartment #doj #indictment #thegavel
David Hearn, a former canoeist, is accused of vandalizing the algae-challenged pool, which President Trump has said he would repair and beautify with fresh sealant. But the algae returned and the paint peeled.