Ex-Olympian David Hearn pleads not guilty, denies deliberately damaging Lincoln Memorial pool

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn is preparing to fight federal allegations that he damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, after entering a not guilty plea in court on Thursday, July 9.

The hearing ended with a key victory for the retired athlete, as the judge declined prosecutors' request to bar him from the landmark while the case moves forward, allowing him to remain free without additional court-imposed conditions.

Judge refuses prosecutors' request

Hearn, 67, appeared in federal court to answer charges linked to an incident at the recently renovated Reflecting Pool.

While prosecutors argued that he should be prohibited from returning to the memorial during the proceedings, the court was unconvinced that such a restriction was necessary.

Instead, the judge allowed Hearn to remain at liberty pending trial, rejecting the government's request for a stay-away order.

The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for August 5. Hearn has consistently disputed the government's version of events.

According to his account, he encountered the Reflecting Pool while riding his bicycle through Washington and became curious about the material lining the bottom of the basin.

He says he examined it momentarily but insists he never deliberately damaged federal property.

His attorneys argued in court that Hearn has no history suggesting he poses a risk and said there was no justification for placing restrictions on his movements while the case is pending.

Charges carry serious penalties

Federal prosecutors accuse the three-time Olympian of damaging part of the protective liner installed during the Reflecting Pool's recent restoration project.

If convicted, Hearn could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The case has attracted national attention not only because of Hearn's Olympic background but also because it centers on one of Washington's most recognizable monuments.

The prosecution comes as the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has remained under scrutiny following its multimillion-dollar renovation.

The restoration project drew headlines after visitors reported murky water and algae despite extensive upgrades.

Administration officials later argued that vandalism had contributed to some of the problems affecting the newly restored landmark.

Hearn's legal team, however, has accused the government of making him a convenient target amid the wider controversy.

In a statement issued after his indictment, his lawyers argued that the criminal case attempts to place responsibility on an individual rather than address broader questions surrounding the renovation project itself.