A Washington judge has formally dismissed the felony property-destruction charge against former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who had been accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The dismissal ends the immediate prosecution after the Justice Department concluded that newly obtained evidence undermined its ability to prove Hearn caused the damage beyond reasonable doubt.

Hearn, 67, was indicted after an incident on 19 June in which prosecutors alleged he tore up recently installed pool lining, causing more than $1,000 in damage; the charge carried a possible maximum sentence of 10 years. Hearn said he had merely touched a piece of lining that was already peeling, and evidence later indicated widespread damage may have resulted from a flawed, rushed contractor installation. His lawyers are seeking dismissal with prejudice, which would prevent the charge being brought again.