A judge dismissed the criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian, on Thursday. The case alleged he damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. This decision came two months after federal prosecutors dropped the charges. They concluded the damage was due to flawed installation, not vandalism.
Judge Todd Edelman mentioned this conclusion in his order. He stated, “Within a month, the government recognized that its prosecution lacked merit. It reached this conclusion not because it had misidentified Mr. Hearn as the perpetrator of the alleged act, but because no crime had occurred.”
Edelman further emphasized, “Because the government’s legitimate interest in maintaining the possibility of a future prosecution seems so marginal, and because of the extraordinary possibility that Mr. Hearn will nonetheless face a meritless, politically motivated prosecution,” the court dismissed the case with prejudice.
This legal outcome means the case is permanently dismissed and cannot be refiled with the same claims.
Hearn’s attorneys expressed their relief, stating, “This case never should have been brought in the first place. This was a miscarriage of justice, and what happened to Mr. Hearn is an outrage that should shock every American. This administration chose to pursue an unjust prosecution against Mr. Hearn. It should not get repeated chances to wield the power of criminal prosecution against someone who should never have been prosecuted. Today’s decision protects Mr. Hearn from that threat, allowing him to move forward with his life as he deserves.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comments, but they were unavailable. Attempts to contact Hearn for his input were also unsuccessful.
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation Project
Renovations at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool have been ongoing. President Donald Trump aimed to restore the pool to a cleaner and more visually appealing condition. The renovation included applying a new coating to the pool’s bottom, called “American flag blue,” and addressing persistent algae blooms.
Despite the efforts, the project faced challenges. Algae returned shortly after completion, turning the water green. Additionally, Trump suggested that vandals caused a 300-foot gash in the pool’s newly applied liner. This damage became central to the renovation controversy.
In June, National Guard members and Park Police detained Hearn after he touched the pool’s peeling liner. Federal authorities accused him of pulling up sections and causing over $1,000 in damage. This led to a felony charge with a possible prison sentence of up to 10 years. Hearn consistently denied these allegations.
What Happens Next
The case’s dismissal with prejudice means it cannot be pursued against Hearn again. His attorneys confirmed, “Today’s dismissal with prejudice ensures that the DOJ cannot bring this case against him again. This decision is a victory for the rule of law and for an innocent American seeking justice.”
For further details, contact the Newsweek editors: Jason Lemon and Sam Wilson.