Former Olympic canoe slalom competitor David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony charge of destruction of property in Washington, D.C. Superior Court.
The case highlights the legal protections afforded to national monuments and the severity of penalties associated with damaging newly renovated federal sites.
Hearn, a three-time Olympic competitor [2], appeared before the court on July 9 to address allegations that he damaged the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Prosecutors said the defendant caused more than $1,000 in damage [1] to the site, which has recently undergone renovations. Because the estimated cost of the damage exceeds that threshold, the charge was filed as a felony.
The incident occurred at one of the most recognizable landmarks in the U.S. capital. While the specific nature of the damage was not detailed in the court proceedings, the charge centers on the physical destruction of the pool's property.
In a statement to the New York Post, Hearn challenged the premise of the charges. "It's not a crime to touch water," Hearn said.
The legal proceedings continue as the court determines the next steps for the felony case. The defense is expected to contest the valuation of the damages and the specific actions that led to the charges. The court has not yet set a date for a full trial.
“"It's not a crime to touch water."”
This case underscores the strict enforcement of federal property laws regarding U.S. national monuments. By pursuing a felony charge based on a $1,000 damage threshold, prosecutors are signaling a zero-tolerance policy for vandalism at high-profile sites, regardless of the defendant's public profile or the perceived simplicity of the act.
