Ex-Olympian pleads not guilty in Lincoln Reflecting Pool case
What’s next: David Hearn faces an early August hearing on a felony count that carries up to 10 years in prison.
Former Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn pleaded not guilty in Washington on July 9 to a felony property-destruction charge tied to damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Prosecutors allege Hearn, 67, intentionally pulled up a 2-square-foot section of liner during a June 19 stop at the pool, causing more than $1,000 in damage. Hearn says he only touched a piece that was already peeling and let go when told to stop. The case has drawn attention because the $14.7 million pool renovation, ordered as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary plans, has faced criticism after algae turned the water green and sections of blue liner began peeling.