Defense lawyers for a former Olympian charged with intentionally damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool argue the U.S. Justice Department knew or should have known for weeks that its case was flawed. In court statements reported by multiple outlets, the defense says prosecutors had concerns about the accuracy or sufficiency of their theory before the matter proceeded, and that the charged individual should not be held responsible for long-running problems associated with the landmark. The defense characterizes the alleged damage as not tied to the defendant’s actions, emphasizing that the Reflecting Pool has experienced issues over a longer period. The claims are presented as part of the defendant’s challenge to the government’s case, rather than as a final determination of guilt. The reports do not indicate that the Justice Department has conceded any weakness in its prosecution, only that defense attorneys contend prosecutors should have identified problems well in advance. The case centers on allegations that the former Olympian intentionally damaged the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial.