Olympic Canoeist Charged for Touching Reflecting Pool
David Hearn is a former US Olympic canoeist. He was charged with destroying property at the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC.
He was arrested on June 19 after reaching into the pool. He touched a piece of blue liner that had come loose.
Hearn could face up to 10 years in prison. His lawyers called the charges outrageous.
They said the case was an attempt to shift blame for the pool's poor condition. President Trump made fixing the Reflecting Pool a top priority.
The renovation cost between $14 million and $16 million. It was meant to finish before Independence Day.
But algae returned and paint peeled before Hearn's arrest. About six other people are also being looked at for similar pool incidents.
Klear Note — The Reflecting Pool is a famous landmark in Washington DC near the Lincoln Memorial. It was recently renovated at high cost before Independence Day.
Key Terms 3
- indicted Formally charged with a crime by a grand jury
- Reflecting Pool Large outdoor pool on the National Mall in Washington DC
- renovation Repair and improvement work done on a building or place