Former Olympian indicted for felony vandalism at DC Reflecting Pool

WASHINGTON - A former U.S. Olympic athlete has been indicted by a federal grand jury on a felony charge of destruction of property following an incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool last month, federal prosecutors announced Thursday. 

What we know:

David Hearn, a 67-year-old former Olympic canoeist, is accused of deliberately tearing up a section of the pool’s newly installed sealant on June 19.

According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Hearn caused roughly two feet of damage to the national monument, which authorities say was a deliberate act causing more than a thousand dollars in damage. Pirro also alleged that Hearn acted belligerently toward a park employee who told him to stop.

What they're saying:

Hearn has denied wrongdoing, previously telling The Washington Post that he merely picked up a loose piece of the pool’s liner that was already floating in the water and let go when the worker told him not to.

However, prosecutors claim they have an ironclad case.

If convicted, Hearn could face up to 10 years behind bars.

"I didn't charge anything harshly, I charge according to the evidence," Pirro said in a statement. "We have witnesses—the defendant on record saying things that are not true, and witnesses with no motive to lie…witnessing damage to a national monument.

"We're going to go forward," she added. "This is a case with tremendous evidence and this is a case where the evidence dictates where we land."

Meanwhile, U.S. Park Police have also released video in recent weeks of a person wanted in connection to damaging government property, after you see them reach into the Reflecting Pool. Officials say they will have a very visible presence during the 250th celebrations.

"Our job out there is to keep people safe, and we encourage people to come down and enjoy the parks," U.S. Park Police Deputy Chief David Lamond said. "If you do come down, commit acts of violent vandalism, we will hold them accountable, and they will either be cited or arrested."

READ MORE: Water begins flowing into Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after renovations

The incident follows a controversial $15 million spring renovation project in which the historic pool was drained and resealed with a new liner that President Donald Trump calls "American Flag Blue." Shortly after it was refilled, reports, photos and videos surfaced showing pieces of the blue sealant peeling away on its own, with the president—without evidence—blaming vandals.

READ MORE: Reflecting Pool looks 'like vomit,' visitors say; crews continue cleaning job

The U.S. Attorney's office noted that Hearn's case is not isolated; authorities are currently investigating six other related vandalism cases at the site. 

What's next:

Fencing has already been erected around the Reflecting Pool ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, according to FOX 5 D.C. reporting, which happens every Fourth of July, though it went up earlier this year. The National Park Service is scheduled to drain the pool and begin repairs once the holiday weekend concludes.

NewsCrime and Public SafetyWashington, D.C.