Trump DOJ can’t go after ex-Olympian again for Reflecting Pool ‘vandalism,’ judge rules

Trump DOJ can’t go after ex-Olympian again for Reflecting Pool ‘vandalism,’ judge rules DC judge says Trump’s demands to re-charge David Hearn are ‘simply fanciful’ after Jeanine Pirro already tossed ‘meritless’ case - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A judge in Washington, D.C. has thrown out a criminal case against a former Olympian accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool — and blocked prosecutors from trying to charge him again. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro had already agreed to drop felony charges against 67-year-old David Hearn after she admitted that the damage was likely caused by “botched” construction. But she wanted to leave open the possibility of prosecuting Hearn again after Donald Trump’s demands. On Thursday, the judge called that idea “simply fanciful.” Hearn “faces the unique possibility that the government will revive this case, one that it has already announced to be meritless — based on political pressure brought by the President of the United States upon his subordinate officers,” Judge Todd Edelman wrote Thursday. “The Court respects the authority of the Office of the United States Attorney to decide which cases to prosecute and which to dismiss,” Edelman wrote. “However, in the exceptional circumstances posed by this case, the government has no right to retain the ability to compound the errors it has already made, or even to threaten to do so, at Mr. Hearn’s expense” The dismissal of the case with prejudice ensures that the Department of Justice “cannot bring this case against him again,” Hearn’s lawyers said in a statement shared with The Independent. “This decision is a victory for the rule of law and for an innocent American seeking justice,” they added. “This case never should have been brought in the first place. This was a miscarriage of justice, and what happened to Mr. Hearn is an outrage that should shock every American,” according to his attorneys. “This administration chose to pursue an unjust prosecution against Mr. Hearn. It should not get repeated chances to wield the power of criminal prosecution against someone who should never have been prosecuted. Today’s decision protects Mr. Hearn from that threat, allowing him to move forward with his life as he deserves.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments