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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Michael Kunzelman

The evidence Trump’s team used to charge an Olympian may have backfired

  • U.S. Olympian David Hearn, charged with felony destruction of property for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, is asking a judge to release secret grand jury testimony.
  • Hearn's attorneys argue prosecutors relied on flawed evidence to secure his indictment, specifically regarding the estimated $1,000 in damage.
  • The defense claims a National Park Service official testified to the grand jury that the Reflecting Pool had substantial pre-existing damage, including leaks and a torn liner, before Hearn's alleged actions.
  • The same witness reportedly could not identify any damage directly caused by Hearn or state that repairs would have differed due to his conduct.
  • Hearn, who faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, and his supporters contend the prosecution is politically motivated and linked to the controversy surrounding the Reflecting Pool's multimillion-dollar restoration project.

IN FULL

Former Olympian says grand jury irregularities tainted Trump’s Reflecting Pool prosecution

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