Judge Blocks Trump DOJ from Recharging Ex-Olympian in Reflecting Pool Case

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A U.S. District Court judge has dismissed a criminal case against a former Olympic athlete accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial’s Reflecting Pool and blocked prosecutors from recharging him.

The decision came after U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro had already dropped felony charges against 67-year-old David Hearn, acknowledging that the damage was likely due to faulty construction. However, she left the door open for potential re-prosecution following pressure from former President Donald Trump.

Judge Todd Edelman called the idea of re-charging Hearn simply fanciful, stating that the government had no right to threaten the possibility of re-opening the case at Mr. Hearn’s expense. The dismissal with prejudice means the Department of Justice cannot bring the case again.

Hearn’s legal team hailed the ruling as a win for justice, calling the original prosecution a miscarriage of law. They argued that the case should never have been brought in the first place, citing a lack of evidence and political influence.

The controversy began when prosecutors accused Hearn of tearing out a newly installed “American flag blue” liner that started to peel shortly after installation. After the indictment, the Department of Interior determined the damage was due to a botched installation, not vandalism.

Trump publicly criticized Pirro for dropping the case, accusing her of folding like an umbrella and pushing her to reconsider. He also labeled Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, as a TRUMP DERANGED SLEAZEBAG.

The ongoing renovation of the Reflecting Pool, which the president once claimed could be completed for $1.5 million, has cost nearly $20 million. Recent federal records show continued spending on maintenance and repair work despite earlier budget overruns.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)