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DOJ declines to investigate David Hearn Reflecting Pool case

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 11:50 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Berthiaume Declines Investigation

DOJ General Don R. Berthiaume declined to investigate Olympian David Hearn’s Reflecting Pool case.
Berthiaume said the allegations fall under the DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility.
Hearn’s lawyers allege witness tampering, perjury, obstruction of justice and civil-rights violations.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office dismissed the indictment in July, citing Atlantic Industrial Coatings caused the damage.
A D.C. judge later permanently barred the government from re-charging Hearn.

Summary

Burgum Enforces Freeze

Renovation of the Reflecting Pool cost nearly $20 million, far above the $1.5 million estimate.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced in July that no new contracts would be awarded after spending exceeded $17 million.
The National Park Service issued a $2.7 million no-bid water-treatment contract in August despite the hiring freeze.
U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the pool was 70 percent filled on October 12, while fencing remained unfinished.

History

Historical Context

The June 17 1972 break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters sparked the Senate Watergate Committee’s televised hearings in 1973, which exposed a cover-up that led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation on August 9 1974. The scandal resulted in 69 people being charged and created lasting oversight mechanisms that shape today’s concerns over federal contract investigations.

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Berthiaume Declines Investigation

DOJ General Don R. Berthiaume declined to investigate Olympian David Hearn’s Reflecting Pool case.
Berthiaume said the allegations fall under the DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility.
Hearn’s lawyers allege witness tampering, perjury, obstruction of justice and civil-rights violations.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office dismissed the indictment in July, citing Atlantic Industrial Coatings caused the damage.
A D.C. judge later permanently barred the government from re-charging Hearn.

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