Judge Permanently Dismisses $1,000 Lincoln Memorial Case Against David Hearn
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 1
Judge Permanently Dismisses $1,000 Lincoln Memorial Case Against David Hearn
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 1
Summary
D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman dismissed the vandalism case with prejudice, permanently barring the Justice Department from refiling charges against former Olympian David Hearn.
Investigative findings showed the Reflecting Pool damage came from a flawed renovation, not Hearn’s actions, and Edelman rejected prosecutors’ bid to keep the option of recharging him if new evidence emerged.
Hearn had been arrested on June 19 and indicted on one felony count after prosecutors said he tugged at loose pool coating and caused about $1,000 in damage despite warnings from Park Service employees.
The DOJ had already moved in late July to drop the indictment after Interior Department evidence said contractor Atlantic Industrial Coatings’ rushed, botched installation caused the peeling material at the $14 million renovation site.
The ruling ends a politically charged dispute that drew criticism from President Donald Trump, who had publicly attacked the earlier decision to abandon the case.