US Olympic Canoeist Pleads Not Guilty to Pool Damage
David Hearn is a three-time US Olympic canoeist. He pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington DC.
Prosecutors say he pulled up about two square feet of sealant with his bare hands. The damage cost more than $1,000 to fix.
Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. The pool had a $14.7 million renovation before the alleged damage.
The incident happened in mid-June. Hearn is one of at least four people facing charges linked to the pool.
His lawyer said charging Hearn with a felony for touching the pool puts every American at risk. The lawyer also called Hearn a scapegoat.
Klear Note — The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is a famous landmark in Washington DC. A felony charge means a serious crime that can result in prison time.
Key Terms 4
- felony A serious crime that can lead to years in prison
- indicted Formally accused of a crime by a grand jury
- sealant A material used to seal and protect surfaces like pool walls
- scapegoat Someone blamed unfairly while others escape punishment