It is not a crime to touch the reflecting pool, to touch water in the United States of America."
Hearn acknowledged his bicycle tire might have made contact with a National Park Service hose used for clearing algae on June 19.
He denied causing physical destruction, saying, "I didn't vandalize anything."
The defendant maintained that he did not peel or break any part of the liner before being detained.
"I didn't destroy or break or peel anything. By the time I realized what was going on, I was being put in handcuffs," Hearn said.
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Following his plea, Hearn was released on a personal recognizance bond. The judge scheduled a status hearing for August 5.
