Former Olympian Indicted Over Damage to Reflecting Pool

Federal authorities indicted a former Olympian on one felony count of property destruction after an incident at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The indictment alleges the individual maliciously broke or destroyed lining material on the bottom of the pool on June 19, causing more than $1,000 in damage. The person faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Background on the Pool Renovation President Trump launched a $16 million rehabilitation project for the pool ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The renovation project referenced in the indictment cost $14.7 million. After reported incidents, contractors and federal workers used chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to combat an algae bloom in the pool.

President Trump stated last month that federal authorities made multiple arrests of people accused of vandalizing the Reflecting Pool.

The former Olympian was arrested in June after touching a peeling piece of liner in the pool and was detained by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police for five hours before release. A lawyer for the individual says the client is innocent. The lawyer stated the person reached into the pool during a 64-mile bike ride to examine newly peeled coating, touched a chunk still attached to the side, and let go after a park worker told the person to stop.

" — The New York Times, reporting on the indictment. National Guard members and U.S. Park Police patrolled the deck around the Reflecting Pool in the days following the reported incidents. Norm Eisen of the Democracy Defenders Fund and Mary Dohrmann of Washington Litigation Group represent the former Olympian.