3 others criminally charged with damaging reflecting pool

Three other people have been charged for alleged damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, according to recently filed court documents.

Prosecutors charged Sophie Dennison-Gibby, Justin CarrenoAnd Cameron Thiers with tortious destruction of property involving less than $1,000 in damages, according to the New York Times.

The charges stem from a June 20 incident in which officers said the three men were seen removing pieces of the pool’s blue liner.

According to records, officers saw Thiers and Carreno dive into the water and remove sections of blue sealant from the reflecting pool. Police also say they found a piece of the pool liner in Dennison-Gibby’s purse.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Court records show a judge ordered all three to stay away from the Reflecting Pool while their cases are pending. They must also check in with court officials by telephone once a month. Their next court appearances are scheduled for August.

New accusations come as president Donald Trump has blame vandalism for the deteriorating condition of the Reflecting Pool during its $16.4 million renovation. He claimed vandals dumped fertilizer in the water to fuel algae growth and cut the liner with knives.

The three accused are distinct from the former Olympic canoeist, David “Davey” Hearn, which was previously charge with criminal destruction of property involving more than $1,000 in alleged damages. Hearn has denied wrongdoing, and his lawyers called the prosecution “scandalous” and “a misuse of government power against an ordinary citizen.”