Since Friday, the office of D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has dropped charges against four individuals accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. This includes former Olympian David Hearn and three others: Justin Carreno, Sophie Dennison-Gibby, and Cameron Thiers, according to court filings reviewed by CBS News.

Hearn, a Maryland resident, was arrested on June 19 after authorities said he ripped a piece of sealant from the pool causing over $1,000 in damage. He stated he had stopped by the pool during a bike ride and was arrested after reaching down to touch the water. Despite earlier accusations from Pirro's office that Hearn had "damaged the pool," prosecutors dropped the case after new information revealed the damage resulted from a "botched installation" by a contractor rushing to complete the project ahead of the America 250 events in Washington.

The other three defendants faced misdemeanor charges for allegedly destroying property valued at less than $1,000. David Benowitz, a partner at Price Benowitz LLP representing Justin Carreno, said Carreno was a government contractor who was fired days after his arrest and subsequently had to move from his home due to financial hardship.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed the White House's position, stating that expert and eyewitness testimony was provided to the U.S. Attorney's office detailing the damage caused by vandals, although he did not provide specific evidence.

The decision to drop these charges has sparked controversy, including criticism from former President Trump.

Sources