Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of property destruction stemming from alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
According to the report, Hearn appeared in D.C. Superior Court on Thursday and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors allege Hearn tore part of the pool's protective liner with his hands, while his attorney denied the accusation and argued the administration is unfairly blaming him for problems that developed during the renovation.
According to the report, three other individuals charged with misdemeanor property destruction have also pleaded not guilty.
Hearn maintains he did not remove or damage any material from the landmark, saying he only touched coating that had already become detached during a bicycle ride.
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— Reuters (@Reuters) July 9, 2026
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