MD Olympian Pleads Not Guilty In Reflecting Pool Vandalism Case

BETHESDA, MD — U.S. Olympian David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to accusations that he deliberately damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.

The plea came a week after the 67-year-old Bethesda resident was indicted on a felony charge of destruction of property. Prosecutors say Hearn caused more than $1,000 in damage when he reached into the Reflecting Pool to examine a piece of sealant that had peeled off.

The sealant is tied to the $14 million rehabilitation project undertaken by the Trump administration ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. President Donald Trump previously said multiple individuals were arrested for "vandalizing" the Reflecting Pool.

"If Mr. Hearn can be charged with a felony for touching the Reflecting Pool, every American is at risk, and every American should be alarmed about this prosecution," one of Hearn's lawyers said outside the courthouse.

Related: Former MD Olympian Hit With Charges In Reflecting Pool Vandalism

"This indictment reflects the administration's effort to scapegoat Davey and to shift blame for their own failures. We will litigate these issues vigorously."

"We have confidence in our justice system to see through this misuse of government power against an ordinary American based on a false and politicized narrative," he added.

Hearn previously told The Associated Press that he had been detained by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police for hours on June 19 after he was instructed to let go of the peeling sealant.

The Olympic canoeist remains free while awaiting trial. A status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5.