Judge weighs how to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charge against Olympian
Prosecutors said they have no current grounds to sustain the case and want dismissal without prejudice, while Hearn seeks protection from being charged again.
- On Friday, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he will rule quickly on dismissing the indictment against former Olympian David Hearn with prejudice, which would bar prosecutors from refiling charges for the same alleged conduct.
- President Donald Trump has publicly pressured the U.S. Attorney's Office to pursue the case, prompting Judge Edelman to question how the court could view this as anything other than directing prosecutors to maintain a meritless prosecution.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Spence argued that prosecutors acted in good faith and requested the ability to present new evidence to a grand jury, though he confirmed Hearn's actions caused no economic damage to the pool.
- Defense attorney Steve Levin countered that there is "no valid reason to keep it alive, to hold it over Mr. Hearn's head for the next five years," arguing against indefinite liability.
- Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin condemned the administration for using the judicial system for political purposes, as the case reflects broader concerns about Trump's efforts to reshape historic landmarks in the nation's capital.
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17 Articles
Judge criticizes Trump pressure on prosecutors on reflecting pool vandalism charges • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — A District of Columbia Superior Court judge Friday seemed inclined to bar any new felony charges against former Olympian David Hearn, after the Trump administration accused the Maryland man of damaging part of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s public pressure campaign […]
The Independent
The Independent (US)Judge likely to block Trump from going after ex-Olympian over Reflecting Pool damage
Judge appears poised to keep federal prosecutors away from David Hearn after Jeanine Pirro suggested more charges could be coming
Daily Montanan
Judge criticizes Trump pressure on prosecutors on reflecting pool vandalism charges
WASHINGTON — A District of Columbia Superior Court judge Friday seemed inclined to bar any new felony charges against former Olympian David Hearn, after the Trump administration accused the Maryland man of damaging part of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s public pressure campaign […]
Judge criticizes Trump pressure on prosecutors in reflecting pool vandalism case
Olympian David Hearn, center left, walks out of District of Columbia Superior Court with his attorneys after a hearing on Sept. 4, 2026. (Photo by Ariana Figueora/States Newsroom)WASHINGTON — A District of Columbia Superior Court judge Friday seemed inclined to bar any new felony charges against former Olympian David Hearn, after the Trump administration accused the Maryland man of damaging part of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. D.C. Supe…
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