John Wesley Dean III, a former White House Counsel for President Richard Nixon, played a significant role in the Watergate scandal cover-up. Serving from July 1970 to April 1973, Dean's involvement led to his guilty plea to a felony charge. However, his cooperation with the prosecution as a key witness resulted in a reduced sentence, served at Fort Holabird. Following his guilty plea, Dean was disbarred. His testimony to Congress proved crucial in unraveling the scandal.
October 14, 1938: Birth of John Wesley Dean III
John Wesley Dean III was born on October 14, 1938.
1961: Dean Graduates from College of Wooster
John Dean graduated from the College of Wooster with a B.A. in 1961.
February 4, 1962: Dean Marries Karla Ann Hennings
John Dean married Karla Ann Hennings on February 4, 1962.
1965: Dean Receives Juris Doctor from Georgetown
John Dean received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Georgetown University Law Center in 1965.
1966: Dean Becomes Chief Minority Counsel
In 1966, John Dean became chief minority counsel to the Republicans on the United States House Committee on the Judiciary.
1967: Dean's Role as Chief Minority Counsel Ends
John Dean's time as chief minority counsel concluded in 1967.
1968: Dean Volunteers for Nixon Campaign
John Dean volunteered to write position papers on crime for Richard Nixon's presidential campaign in 1968.
July 1970: Dean Becomes White House Counsel
In July 1970, John Dean became White House Counsel to President Richard Nixon.
July 1970: Dean Appointed Counsel to the President
John Dean was appointed counsel to President Nixon in July 1970.
1970: Dean Divorces Karla Ann Hennings
John Dean and Karla Ann Hennings divorced in 1970.
January 27, 1972: Dean Meets with Magruder, Mitchell, and Liddy
On January 27, 1972, John Dean met with Jeb Magruder, John Mitchell, and G. Gordon Liddy to discuss intelligence-gathering plans for the upcoming campaign.
October 13, 1972: Dean Marries Maureen Kane
John Dean married Maureen (Mo) Kane on October 13, 1972.
February 28, 1973: Gray Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee
On February 28, 1973, Acting FBI Director L. Patrick Gray testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, revealing Dean's involvement in the Watergate cover-up.
March 22, 1973: Nixon Requests Report from Dean
On March 22, 1973, President Nixon asked John Dean to compile a report on the Watergate matter.
April 1973: Dean Leaves White House Counsel Position
John Dean's time as White House Counsel ended in April 1973.
April 17, 1973: Nixon Opposes Immunity for Dean
On April 17, 1973, President Nixon expressed his opposition to granting immunity to John Dean.
June 25, 1973: Dean Testifies Before Senate Watergate Committee
John Dean began his testimony before the Senate Watergate Committee on June 25, 1973, implicating Nixon and other officials.
October 19, 1973: Dean Pleads Guilty
John Dean pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice on October 19, 1973.
August 2, 1974: Dean Sentenced
John Dean was sentenced to one to four years in prison on August 2, 1974.
1976: Dean Publishes "Blind Ambition"
John Dean published his memoir "Blind Ambition" in 1976.
1979: "Blind Ambition" Miniseries Airs
A TV miniseries based on John Dean's "Blind Ambition" aired in 1979.
1982: Dean Publishes "Lost Honor"
John Dean published his memoir "Lost Honor" in 1982.