WASHINGTON — A grand jury in the District of Columbia has indicted three-time U.S. Olympian David Hearn on a felony charge of destruction of property in connection with an incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, authorities said on Thursday.
Hearn, 67, a former Olympic canoeist from Bethesda, Maryland, was arrested by U.S. Park Police in June on a misdemeanor charge of destruction of government property after he reached into the recently renovated pool and allegedly removed a section of its lining.
According to the indictment, Hearn is accused of maliciously destroying approximately two square feet of the pool's recently installed sealant, an act observed by National Park Service employees. He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted in D.C. Superior Court.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the indictment.
Hearn has denied the allegations, previously stating that he only touched a piece of partially detached liner out of curiosity and did not damage or remove anything. His attorney has described the initial charges as unfounded.
The incident occurred amid heightened attention to the Reflecting Pool following its renovation, with President Donald Trump publicly addressing reports of vandalism at the site.
Hearn is scheduled to appear in court on the new felony charge. Details of the indictment remain partially sealed, and prosecutors have not released additional information on the case.
The story is developing.
