David Hearn pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool case

Former US Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday in Washington to a felony vandalism charge over alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Hearn, 67, was indicted last week. Prosecutors allege National Park Service employees saw him on June 19 “forcefully and violently” pulling up and removing about two square feet of paint from the base of the pool, which is part of the Lincoln Memorial. The charge concerns alleged damage of more than $1,000 and could carry up to 10 years in prison if he is convicted.

Dozens of supporters gathered outside court with placards. Hearn’s attorney Norm Eisen told reporters that the case was an effort to “scapegoat” Hearn and shift blame for problems with the pool’s renovation.

Hearn has told US media that he noticed a partly detached piece of blue paint liner while visiting the pool, reached into the water to feel it and was arrested by US Park Police as he prepared to leave.

The Reflecting Pool’s renovation cost more than $14 million and has been followed by algae regrowth and peeling paint. US attorney Jeanine Pirro has said her office will hold people accountable for damage to national monuments and is reviewing about a half-dozen other cases related to the pool.