Former U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleads not guilty to felony Reflecting Pool damage charge

According to CNBC, three-time U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn pleaded not guilty Thursday in D.C. Superior Court to a felony destruction-of-property charge tied to alleged damage at the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said a grand jury indicted the 67-year-old on July 2, alleging he intentionally pulled up and removed a 2-square-foot piece of bottom liner, causing more than $1,000 in damage; Hearn was arrested June 19 on a misdemeanor after stopping at the pool during a bicycle ride and reaching into it. Hearn’s lawyers criticized the prosecution and said he is not accused of using a razor or knife; he was not required to post bail and faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.