WASHINGTON, July 2 (DC Times Online) — Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted by a federal grand jury in Washington on a felony property-destruction charge tied to an alleged incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to court records and a statement from U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Hearn, a canoeist, told ABC News that he stopped at the pool during a bike ride to look at the newly renovated surface and touched a loose piece of blue liner, but did not damage it.
“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 told the outlet, “The condition of that part and all other parts of the Reflecting Pool were in the same condition after I walked away as they were before I walked up to it.”
U.S. Park Police arrested Hearn after the interaction at the pool, according to reports from The Washington Post, The Hill and ESPN. Hearn told ABC News he did not know he was about to be arrested and said officers did not read him his rights.
Prosecutors have alleged that Hearn tore or removed about two square feet of sealant or liner and caused more than $1,000 in damage, according to coverage of Pirro’s statement. The government said the evidence would show he intentionally damaged property at the federal site.
Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, said the defense would contest the case.
“There’s no justification for this. We plan to challenge it vigorously,” Eisen told The Hill.
Eisen also said, “Touching water is not a federal offense.”
Hearn was scheduled to appear in D.C. court on July 9, according to reports.
