A former federal prosecutor has cast doubt on the strength of the government's case against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, arguing that the central evidence may struggle to support a felony conviction. The criticism came hours after Hearn pleaded not guilty in Washington, D.C., to a charge of felony property destruction over alleged damage to the Reflecting Pool. Gene Rossi Defence handed early boost Speaking on LiveNOW from Fox, former Justice Department prosecutor Gene Rossi questioned whether prosecutors could prove beyond reasonable doubt that Hearn caused more than $1,000 worth of damage. Rossi said the case would face a "tough hurdle" if the government's evidence amounted only to allegations that Hearn reached into the water and handled a detached piece of blue paint from the bottom of the pool. 'Worthless' evidence questioned Prosecutors allege Hearn caused damage exceeding the felony threshold, exposing him to a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years if convicted. Rossi dismissed the significance of the paint, arguing that a detached fragment would have no value. Laughing during the interview, he said he would rather represent the defence than the prosecution unless investigators possessed stronger evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage or compelling forensic material. Political backdrop raises stakes The case has attracted wider attention after US Attorney Jeanine Pirro described Hearn's alleged actions as deliberate, claiming the government held "tremendous evidence" against him. President Donald Trump has also commented publicly, alleging that the Reflecting Pool suffered a large gash caused by a sharp blade and accusing vandals of damaging the recently renovated site. Court battle now shifts to evidence Rossi argued that photographs of the pool shortly after its renovation, including images showing algae growth, could influence how jurors assess the wider circumstances surrounding the damage. Whether prosecutors can connect Hearn directly to the alleged destruction remains likely to become the central issue when the case returns to court. Hearn is scheduled to appear again on 5 August, when both sides are expected to begin testing the evidence that will determine whether the felony charge can withstand scrutiny. Fox lawyer bellylaughs as Pirro's Reflecting Pool case hinges on 'worthless' paint chips
Create an account or sign in to comment