David Hearn Reflecting Pool Case Dismissed

Washington, D.C., judge Todd Edelman permanently dismissed the criminal case against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn over alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The order bars prosecutors from bringing the same charge again after they moved to drop it, citing new evidence that a contractor’s flawed installation caused the damage. The case began with a July felony destruction-of-property charge alleging Hearn damaged the newly installed liner, exposing him to up to 10 years in prison. Edelman cited exceptional circumstances, saying Hearn faced a unique risk of reprosecution if President Donald Trump pressed subordinates or replaced prosecutors. The same charge is now closed.