After his Reflecting Pool vandalism case is dismissed, David Hearn looks for closure
A judge has dismissed a federal vandalism case against former Olympian David Hearn regarding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. While the charges were dropped, legal disputes continue over whether the case can be refiled, with political tension surrounding the prosecution.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of federal legal proceedings and high-profile political rhetoric involving the former president.
A judge agreed to drop the federal government's vandalism case against former U.S. Olympian David "Davey" Hearn and three others last week, after months of accusing them of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
But Hearn's legal fight isn't over yet: Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman has yet to weigh in on whether it could potentially be reopened later.
"We feel strongly this case should be dismissed for once and for all," Hearn's lawyer, Norm Eisen, told NPR's All Things Considered on Monday. "Davey is an innocent man. He shouldn't have to go through this a second time."
Politics Ripple effects: Three people have Reflecting Pool charges dropped after Hearn request Prosecutors have sought the dismissal of the case "without prejudice," allowing them to potentially refile in the future. Hearn's lawyers are asking the judge to dismiss his felony charge "with prejudice," to close the case for good.
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