Witness testimony challenges felony case against ex-Olympian

A federal felony case against a former Olympic canoeist accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is facing a significant challenge after court filings revealed that the prosecution's own key witness testified the pool was already damaged before the defendant's alleged actions. The development raises serious questions about the basis for the charge against David Hearn, who has pleaded not guilty.

According to filings submitted on Monday, July 27, a National Park Service official who served as the government's sole witness on the issue of damage told a grand jury that the Reflecting Pool had substantial preexisting damage requiring repair before Hearn's alleged conduct. The witness reportedly testified that the pool was leaking more than one million gallons of water per week, that its expansion joints had exceeded their service life, and that the liner already contained a rip. The witness could not quantify any damage attributable to Hearn and stated the identified repairs would have been necessary regardless of his actions.

Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was indicted on one felony count of destruction of government property. The charge, which carries a maximum...