Judge weighs how to dismiss Reflecting Pool vandalism charge against Olympian
Prosecutors conceded they cannot prove Hearn damaged the pool, and the judge is considering whether any dismissal should block future charges.
- On Friday, Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he will rule quickly on dismissing the indictment against former Olympian David Hearn with prejudice, which would bar prosecutors from refiling charges for the same alleged conduct.
- President Donald Trump has publicly pressured the U.S. Attorney's Office to pursue the case, prompting Judge Edelman to question how the court could view this as anything other than directing prosecutors to maintain a meritless prosecution.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Spence argued that prosecutors acted in good faith and requested the ability to present new evidence to a grand jury, though he confirmed Hearn's actions caused no economic damage to the pool.
- Defense attorney Steve Levin countered that there is "no valid reason to keep it alive, to hold it over Mr. Hearn's head for the next five years," arguing against indefinite liability.
- Maryland Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin condemned the administration for using the judicial system for political purposes, as the case reflects broader concerns about Trump's efforts to reshape historic landmarks in the nation's capital.
29 Articles
29 Articles
'Fatal' DOJ concession flagged that torpedoed Trump's Reflecting Pool case
The Justice Department is trying to revive its case against David Hearn despite admitting that it cannot prove he damaged the Reflecting Pool.Legal analyst Adam Klasfeld offered updates on the DOJ's efforts after a judge grilled prosecutors during a hearing on Friday. Writing for All Rise News the same day, Klasfeld noted that the DOJ's concession that it can't prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hearn damaged the Reflecting Pool has proved "fa…
Judge criticizes Trump pressure on prosecutors on reflecting pool vandalism charges • Rhode Island Current
WASHINGTON — A District of Columbia Superior Court judge Friday seemed inclined to bar any new felony charges against former Olympian David Hearn, after the Trump administration accused the Maryland man of damaging part of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. D.C. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s public pressure campaign […]
The Independent
The Independent (US)Judge likely to block Trump from going after ex-Olympian over Reflecting Pool damage
Judge appears poised to keep federal prosecutors away from David Hearn after Jeanine Pirro suggested more charges could be coming
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