Overview
- Defense lawyers say a National Park Service official told the grand jury that the Reflecting Pool had substantial preexisting damage and could not identify any loss caused by David Hearn.
- Prosecutors previously estimated repairs at roughly $6,000 to $15,000, but the witness reportedly testified those repairs would have been needed regardless of Hearn’s actions.
- Hearn’s team filed a motion on Monday seeking the full grand‑jury transcript and the legal instructions given to jurors, arguing irregularities could warrant dismissal of the felony indictment.
- Hearn has pleaded not guilty to one felony count of destruction of property and faces a trial set to begin Sept. 28 in D.C. Superior Court.
- The dispute ties to a fast‑tracked, largely no‑bid $14–16 million renovation that showed early failures, and the case has spurred forensic work, preservation questions and political debate over accountability.