From The Boston Globe · · 1m 30s
Justice watchdog skips Reflecting Pool case probe
Lawyers say DOJ inspector general declined to investigate handling of former Olympian's cleared case involving Lincoln Memorial pool.
In brief
Lawyers say DOJ inspector general declined to investigate handling of former Olympian's cleared case involving Lincoln Memorial pool. The Department of Justice inspector general refused to investigate alleged misconduct in the criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian cleared of damaging the Lincoln…
Watchdog declines probe
The Department of Justice’s inspector general declined to investigate the handling of the criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian cleared of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Lawyers request investigation
Hearn’s lawyers asked for investigations by the inspectors general at the departments of Justice and Interior, citing incompetence and misconduct during the criminal investigation and prosecution.
Alleged misconduct claims
Lawyers say prosecutors rushed to indict under pressure from President Donald Trump, who launched a massive renovation project of the Reflecting Pool for America’s 250th anniversary.
Case dismissed
The Justice Department moved to dismiss the case last summer after new evidence showed David Hearn was not responsible for damage to the pool’s lining, and a judge permanently threw out the prosecution.
Watchdog jurisdiction issue
The inspector general’s office said the allegations fall outside its jurisdiction and are within the purview of the department’s Office of Professional Responsibility.
Consequence of decision
The watchdog’s refusal to investigate risks undermining public confidence in the Department’s ability to police its own conduct and could be seen as a betrayal of its mission.
The main idea
The Department of Justice inspector general refused to investigate alleged misconduct in the criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian cleared of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
