Justice Dept Drops Case Against Olympian | Austin News

The Justice Department is dropping charges against former Olympian David Hearn after new evidence reveals the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool damage was caused by a contractor’s error and rushed deadlines—not Hearn’s actions. Prosecutors now admit they can’t prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while Hearn’s defense argues the case should have never been filed, citing pre-existing leaks and damage. Facing up to ten years in prison, Hearn, 67, had pleaded not guilty. The government’s sudden reversal—triggered by recently received Interior Department documents—marks a major setback for the prosecution, which had framed the case as a victory for accountability. Hearn’s lawyers demand an apology, calling him a patriotic American wrongly accused. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f762809848bb9111