born Oct. 14, 1938, Akron, Ohio, U.S.
U.S. lawyer and White House counsel.
He received a law degree from Georgetown University in 1965. In 1970 he was appointed White House counsel by Pres. Watergate scandal ). Dean refused to issue a proposed fictitious report denying a cover-up. When indications of White House involvement grew stronger, he began telling federal investigators what he knew. Nixon fired him in April 1973; two months later Dean testified before a Senate committee about obstruction of justice by White House officials, including the president. He spent four months in prison for his role in the Watergate cover-up. His revelations contributed to Nixon's decision to resign in 1974.