Ex-Olympian David Hearn pleads not guilty in pool damage case
What's next: Hearn faces a felony property-destruction charge tied to more than $1,000 in alleged damage and a possible 10-year sentence.
Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday in Washington to a felony charge alleging he damaged the National Mall's Reflecting Pool. Prosecutors say Hearn ripped up a 2-square-foot piece of sealant from the bottom of the pool, causing more than $1,000 in damage. Hearn, 67, was first arrested June 19 on a misdemeanor count after stopping at the pool during a bicycle ride. A grand jury later indicted him on felony destruction of property. His lawyers argued in court that the evidence is weak and said he should not face a felony for touching the water. Hearn was not required to post bail.