Federal watchdogs should conduct in-depth investigations into the prosecution of former Olympian David Hearn. A judge recently cleared him of causing damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn’s attorneys issued a 21-page letter urging the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Interior (DOI) to coordinate independent probes into the circumstances of his arrest on June 19 and his subsequent prosecution.
The judge dismissed the case with prejudice. Hearn’s attorneys argue that actions by DOJ and DOI employees led to Hearn’s wrongful indictment for a crime he did not commit. He faced potential incarceration of up to 10 years. The letter names high-ranking officials such as United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum as responsible for defaming his name and reputation. The attorneys demand investigations to uncover what led to the “shocking and indefensible treatment” of Hearn.
According to the attorneys, the DOJ and DOI subjected Hearn to wrongful arrest, felony indictment, and public defamation. They claim this was an attempt to cover up their failed renovation of the Reflecting Pool. The administration allegedly misused federal power in Hearn’s prosecution, demanding full accountability for these actions.
Judge Todd Edelman dismissed the case on Thursday. Federal prosecutors acknowledged that the pool’s damage resulted from flawed installation rather than vandalism. Hearn’s attorneys seek investigations into his arrest, a five-hour detention, and the indictment push despite evidence of installation defects.
The letter highlights that the USAO-DC charged Hearn despite evidence of installation failures. The letter accuses them of misleading the Court to hide their misconduct. Pirro dismissed the case in July after the DOI provided evidence absolving Hearn. She admitted a contractor caused the damage amid rushing to complete the project by America’s 250th celebration.
The attorneys stress the ‘nightmare’ Hearn experienced demands a thorough investigation by the DOJ and DOI’s Offices of Inspector General.
Hearn expressed gratitude following the judge’s dismissal, considering it a democratic victory. He thanked his supporters, including loved ones and his legal team. He emphasized the importance of standing against power abuses for democracy’s sake.