Justice Department IG refuses to investigate botched Reflecting Pool case after Trump’s false vandalism claims

Key Points:

• The Justice Department’s inspector general has declined to investigate the mishandled criminal case against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn related to alleged damage at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, prompting Hearn’s legal team to request reconsideration due to potential criminal violations by DOJ personnel.
• Hearn was charged with felony damage in July but the case was dismissed after evidence showed the damage resulted from contractor error, not Hearn’s actions; a judge barred the government from recharging him.
• Hearn’s attorneys allege prosecutors rushed the case despite evidence disproving harm or monetary loss caused by Hearn, and they accuse prosecutors of coercing a witness to alter testimony to support felony charges.
• The legal team criticizes the DOJ’s Office of Professional Responsibility for lacking criminal jurisdiction and being understaffed, arguing only the inspector general can conduct a proper investigation into alleged misconduct.
• The Interior Department inspector general is investigating related allegations, but the broader context includes President Trump’s controversial firing of multiple inspectors general, raising concerns about oversight independence.