Three charged in Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool damage

Three additional individuals were charged Thursday in connection with alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., as a separate case against a former Olympian proceeded in court.

Sophie DennisonGibby, Justin Carreno, and Cameron Thiers each face misdemeanor charges of destruction of property valued at less than $1,000. According to court documents, they were detained on the afternoon of June 20 after law enforcement officers reported seeing them peel and remove pieces of blue paint or sealant from the bottom of the recently renovated pool. One officer stated that Carreno was seen reaching into the water and pulling up a piece of the coating. Authorities allege a search found an additional piece of the liner in DennisonGibby's purse, and that Thiers admitted to removing a piece and still had it in his hand when contacted by police.

The three defendants pleaded not guilty during an arraignment this week. A judge ordered them to stay away from the Reflecting Pool while their cases are pending. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

The charges come amid ongoing issues with the iconic landmark...