Inspector general declines investigation

The DOJ inspector general declined to investigate prosecutors who falsely charged Olympian David Hearn with vandalizing the Reflecting Pool, citing legal limits on his authority.

Case referred to weaker oversight body

Inspector General Don Berthiaume said in an October eighth letter that prosecutorial misconduct allegations must go to the Office of Professional Responsibility instead.

Office of Professional Responsibility less independent

Unlike the inspector general, who is presidentially appointed and confirmed by the Senate, the Office of Professional Responsibility head is appointed by the Attorney General and viewed as less independent.

Office depleted since Trump administration

Hearn's lawyers noted the Office of Professional Responsibility has been depleted by roughly fifty percent since the start of the Trump administration, calling it no longer fully functioning.

“OPR is no longer a fully functioning entity capable of conducting rigorous oversight”

Hearn falsely charged then exonerated

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the indictment on July second, accusing Hearn of ripping up the Reflecting Pool liner. She later dismissed the case after new information showed a contractor's botched installation caused the damage.

Witness testimony changed after break

A key witness initially told the grand jury the pool needed repairs and could not estimate damage or confirm Hearn caused it.

Lawyers allege potential crimes

Hearn's attorneys, including former DOJ Inspector General Michael Bromwich, argue the case points to witness tampering, subornation of perjury, obstruction of justice and criminal civil rights violations.

No investigation will take place

Hearn's lawyers responded October twenty-first that the inspector general's declination means an investigation will simply not take place, leaving allegations of prosecutorial misconduct unreviewed.

“will simply not take place”