Attorneys for Olympian David Hearn ask internal watchdogs at DOJ, Interior Dept. to investigate potential misconduct
Updated on: October 6, 2026 / 3:44 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Attorneys for Olympic canoeist David Hearn have requested investigations by the DOJ and Interior Department Inspectors General into his arrest, indictment, and case dismissal.
- Hearn was falsely accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and indicted on felony destruction of government property.
- The U.S. Attorney moved to dismiss the case after discovering the damage resulted from a contractor's error, not vandalism.
- Hearn's lawyers allege deprivation of liberty, false indictment, and reputational damage due to the actions of DOJ and DOI employees, including high-ranking officials.
- Concerns raised include lack of Miranda rights during detention, alleged preservation of evidence destruction, political pressure influencing the prosecution, and improper conduct by the U.S. Attorney.
- A judge dismissed the case with prejudice, preventing future prosecution, citing potential political motivation behind Hearn's charges.
- The Justice Department stated that the Office of the Inspector General operates independently.