Three New Defendants in Lincoln Memorial Damage Case

Three more individuals have been charged in connection with damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to newly released court documents. Sophie Dennison-Gibby, Justin Carreno, and Cameron Thiers face misdemeanor charges of destruction of property under $1,000.

The charges stem from a June 20 incident where witnesses say the three were seen removing pieces of the pool's blue liner. Police reported that Thiers and Carreno reached into the water to pull out sections of the sealant, while a piece of the liner was allegedly found in Dennison-Gibby's purse.

If convicted, each defendant could face up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A judge has ordered them to stay away from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool while their cases are pending and to check in with court officials by phone monthly. Their next court appearance is scheduled for August.

These charges follow the earlier arrest of former Olympic canoeist David "Davey" Hearn, who is accused of felony destruction of property exceeding $1,000. Hearn has denied any wrongdoing, and his attorneys have called the prosecution "outrageous" and "a misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen."

President Donald Trump has previously blamed vandalism for the pool's deteriorated condition during its $16.4 million renovation, alleging that vandals dumped fertilizer into the water to fuel algae growth and cut the liner with knives.

The new charges have sparked public interest, as the Lincoln Memorial is one of Washington D.C.'s most visited landmarks. Many are watching to see whether the cases will lead to stricter penalties for vandalism of national monuments.