In case you missed it, three-time gold Olympian swimmer David Hearn was arrested after an alleged incident at the newly refurbed Reflecting Pool.
We reported on the incident when it happened. He was alleged to have vandalised the pool "maliciously" during his bike ride around the pool.
Prosecutors allege he did much worse than what he originally claimed after being arrested. At the time, he said he'd stopped by the pool as a "curious, concerned citizen."
He said he "was able to reach out and touch the edge" of the controversial American Blue lining. He said "[it] was still attached at the bottom", and that he "handled it a little bit."
The Olympian clarified at the time, "I did not remove, I did not damage, I did not rip, tear, break, destroy or harm any part of the Reflecting Pool."
Videos by Wide Open Country
The Prosecutors Say the Actions of the Alleged Olympian Were "Willfull"
That is not at all what the prosecutors have said, however. They say the Olympian was a lot more aggressive than he explained, according to ABC 7.
The US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced he was indicted. He could face up to 10 years in jail for the single count of felony destruction of property worth $1,000 or more.
"The indictment is in response to an incident that occurred on June 19 of 2026 in which the defendant Hearn ripped a piece of recently installed sealant on the bottom of the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial," she explained.
"The evidence shows, we will prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that Hearn willfully destroyed property at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool."
Pirro also alleged the way in which the Olympian had acted was "forceful and violent". She alleged Hearn had "damaged approximately two square feet of sealant from the bottom of the pool" by using his hands.
She also said a National Parks Service employee received yelling and abuse from the Olympian. This followed them telling him to stop.
In any case, Hearn's legal team have unconditionally refuted the claims. In a statement, Norm Eison, the co-founder of the Democracy Defenders Fund, said the indictment was "outrageous".
They added, "Davey Hearn is innocent. These charges are outrageous and should be alarming to any American."
In any case, we hope that justice is carried out effectively and fairly. And that the right conclusion is reached in this case.
