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Hearn, a former Olympic athlete, pleaded not guilty to damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, pleaded not guilty to a felony property destruction charge related to alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.
Federal prosecutors accuse Hearn of causing over $1,000 in damage to the pool. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Hearn was arrested following the alleged incident. During court proceedings, a judge declined to impose a stay-away order and instead released him on personal recognizance, allowing him to remain free pending trial.
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Hearn Released on Personal Recognizance Pending Trial
The court released Hearn without imposing a stay-away order, allowing him to remain free during proceedings. This decision reflects judicial discretion in determining conditions of release. Hearn's not guilty plea sets the stage for trial proceedings where prosecutors must prove their allegations of over $1,000 in property damage.
Felony Property Destruction Carries Significant Potential Penalty
Hearn faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on the felony property destruction charge. Federal prosecutors have accused him of causing over $1,000 in damage to the Reflecting Pool. The not guilty plea means the allegations will be contested in court, with the burden of proof on prosecutors.