Lawyer issues major warning as ex-Olympian David Hearn pleads not guilty in reflecting pool vandalism case

Former Olympian David Hearn, 67, stirred controversy after being charged with felony destruction of property in connection with damage to the iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. On July 9, he pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to prosecutors, Hearn, who was riding near the memorial, ripped out a significant portion of the lining at the bottom of the pool, allegedly causing about $1,000 in damage.

The Reflecting Pool has been undergoing renovations as part of President Trump’s restoration efforts. The alleged damage also drew criticism from President Trump. Following Hearn’s not guilty plea, his attorney argued that the case could set a significant legal precedent.

​Former Olympian’s Lawyer Issues Statement

​Former Olympic canoeist David Hearn’s attorney, Norm Eisen, spoke with reporters after his client pleaded not guilty to the vandalism charges. Eisen argued that the accusation was baseless and warned that the case could set a dangerous legal precedent. He also argued that Hearn’s indictment was an attempt by the government to make him a scapegoat for its own failures.

In his words, “If Mr. Hearn can be charged with a felony for touching the reflecting pool, every American is at risk, and every American should be alarmed about this prosecution. This indictment reflects the administration’s effort to scapegoat Davey and to shift blame for their own failures. We will litigate these issues vigorously. We have confidence in our justice system to see through this misuse of government power against an ordinary American based on a false and politicised narrative.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/lawyer-issues-major-warning-as-ex-olympian-david-hearn-pleads-not-guilty-in-reflecting-pool-vandalism-case/ar-AA27XYy9