Lawmaker Defends Former Olympian Charged With Reflecting Pool Damage

A Maryland lawmaker on Thursday defended a former Olympian arrested last month and charged with damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The representative, whose district includes the man's hometown, issued the statement after the defendant pleaded not guilty to a felony destruction of property charge.

The lawmaker described the man as a longtime resident, three-time Olympian canoeist, and local coach.

" The statement added that the man would never alter federal property without explicit congressional authorization. Prosecutors accused the 67-year-old of ripping the pool's bottom liner and causing more than $1,000 in damage. The defendant said he did not destroy or break anything and was handcuffed before he understood the situation.

convicted, the defendant faces up to 10 years in prison.

The Trump administration has attributed recent problems at the pool, including peeling paint and algae, to vandalism and has made several arrests in connection with the 2,082-foot basin.