Ex-Olympian pleads not guilty to Reflecting Pool damage

Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty on July 9 to a felony charge of destroying property at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. Source: AP, BBC The 67-year-old three-time Olympian was indicted July 2 for allegedly causing over $1,000 in damage to the recently renovated pool, which had been plagued by peeling sealant and algae blooms. Source: CNN, NPR

The charges

Prosecutors allege Hearn "forcefully and violently" ripped up two square feet of blue liner on June 19, causing more than $1,000 in damage Source: CNBC, Al Jazeera. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated the case has "tremendous evidence" Source: SCMP. Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted Source: CNA.

The defense

Hearn maintains he only touched the pool out of curiosity after a bike ride, saying he "didn't destroy or break or peel anything" Source: Guardian. His attorneys Norm Eisen and Mary Dohrmann called the charges a "misuse of government power" and said the evidence is weak Source: AP, CNN. Outside court, supporters chanted Hearn's name and held signs calling him a hero Source: Guardian, CNN.

The bigger picture

The $14 million renovation, championed by President Trump and meant to be "American flag blue" for the 250th anniversary, has been beset by algae and peeling paint—problems Trump attributed to vandals without providing evidence Source: NPR, AP. Hearn is one of several people arrested; others face misdemeanors Source: BBC, CNN. A status hearing is set for August 5 Source: AP.