Who went to jail for Watergate and for how long? The Watergate scandal, one of the most significant events in American political history, resulted in the imprisonment of several individuals. The scandal, which began in 1972, involved illegal activities by the Nixon administration, including wiretapping, burglary, and obstruction of justice. This article will explore the key figures who were sentenced to jail for their involvement in the Watergate scandal and the duration of their sentences.
The most prominent figure to go to jail for Watergate was Richard Nixon’s former White House Counsel, John Dean. Dean was sentenced to four months in prison for his role in the scandal. He pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and was released after serving just over a year of his sentence, thanks to a presidential pardon from President Gerald Ford.
Another key figure was G. Gordon Liddy, a former FBI agent who was part of the burglary team that broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex. Liddy was sentenced to four years in prison and served three years before being released on parole.
James McCord, another member of the burglary team, was sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy and burglary. However, he was released early after serving just over three years.
One of the most infamous figures to go to jail for Watergate was E. Howard Hunt, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent who was involved in the planning and execution of the burglary. Hunt was sentenced to 33 months in prison and served 21 months before being released on parole.
Finally, John Mitchell, who served as the Attorney General under President Nixon, was sentenced to two years in prison for obstruction of justice. However, he was released on parole after serving only 19 months.
In conclusion, the Watergate scandal resulted in the imprisonment of several key figures, each serving varying lengths of time. The sentences ranged from just over a year to three years, with some receiving presidential pardons. The scandal had a profound impact on American politics and led to the resignation of President Nixon, marking a significant moment in the nation’s history.
