Inquiry Requested into DOJ’s Case Against Former Olympian

Lawyers representing a former U.S. Olympian, David Hearn, are seeking a federal investigation into the Justice Department’s handling of a felony case against him. Hearn was initially charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, but prosecutors later determined he was not responsible. On Tuesday, Hearn’s attorneys sent a letter to the inspectors general at the DOJ and Interior Department. They urged an investigation into the alleged flawed prosecution, accusing officials of neglecting crucial evidence, driven by pressure from then-President Trump.

The call for investigation follows a decision by D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Eldeman to dismiss the case permanently. The judge criticized the indictment process, describing it as “lightning-fast”, and prohibited the DOJ from pursuing further charges. Eldeman noted the “unique possibility” of renewed charges due to “political pressure” from Trump to prosecute alleged vandals. “In light of these findings and the government’s own admissions, a critical purpose of the requested investigations is to collect the facts,” Hearn’s attorneys emphasized in their letter. They seek accountability for those who failed Hearn and undermined the justice system and public interest.

Hearn, 67, faced a felony property destruction charge in June after being accused of harming the Reflecting Pool’s new liner. However, evidence from the Interior Department later showed that Hearn was not responsible. The damage resulted from issues with the pool’s multi-million dollar renovation and the hurried completion before America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Hearn’s lawyers argue that exonerating evidence was available well before the case was dropped. “The record reflects an indictment obtained through unusual haste and a prosecution shaped from the outset by political pressure and built on an inadequate investigation,” they stated.