Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Former Olympian Due to Installation Flaws

Federal prosecutors have ended the criminal case against former U.S. Olympian David “Davey” Hearn. They determined that the damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resulted from installation errors, not vandalism.

Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C., filed a motion on Friday to dismiss the felony destruction of government property charge. Newly developed evidence showed that the pool’s liner failed due to defects in the installation process. This evidence no longer supported claims that Hearn intentionally damaged the property.

Hearn, a three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist, was initially indicted after being accused of pulling up parts of the pool’s new liner during a visit to the National Mall in June. The government claimed that the damage exceeded $1,000, leading to a felony charge with a potential 10-year prison sentence.

Hearn consistently denied any intention to damage the memorial. He stated that he noticed the liner peeling during a bike ride and only handled a loose section without causing further harm. His lawyers argued that Hearn was wrongfully blamed for issues related to the pool’s recent renovation.

As the investigation continued, evidence emerged showing that the liner had begun detaching from the pool even before Hearn’s arrival. According to the recent court filing, the bottom of the Reflecting Pool started peeling “almost immediately” after construction was completed.

This dismissal represents a significant shift from the original government allegations, bringing the prosecution to an end. The Reflecting Pool had undergone extensive rehabilitation, but reports of peeling and other defects raised questions about the renovation’s quality. The latest filing moves the focus from Hearn to the shortcomings of the construction and installation process.

The case attracted national attention due to Hearn’s Olympic status and the involvement of a prominent national memorial. Prosecutors now accept that construction flaws, not intentional vandalism, were to blame, closing the criminal case.