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$5.1 million defamation action could reopen Watergate

January 17, 2001

Web posted at: 9:04 AM EST (1404 GMT)

BALTIMORE, Maryland (AP) -- Nearly 30 years have passed since the Watergate break-in, but now some of the major figures in the scandal could be brought back into court to testify in a defamation lawsuit.

The suit was filed by a former secretary for the Democratic National Committee. Ida "Maxie" Wells is seeking $5.1 million from G. Gordon Liddy for claiming that the burglars who broke into DNC headquarters at the Watergate complex were looking for photographs linking John Dean's future wife to a call-girl ring.

Wells says Liddy falsely accused her of procuring prostitutes for the DNC in the early 1970s.

A jury was seated Tuesday for the trial, which is expected to last at least three weeks. Opening statements in the case were to begin Wednesday.

Dean, who was Nixon's chief White House lawyer, said he would testify and deny the accusations. His wife, Maureen, also is listed as a possible witness for Wells. Other potential witnesses listed by both sides include Watergate figures E. Howard Hunt, Charles Colson and James McCord.

"This is the first time, frankly, that the purpose of the break-in will be litigated in court," said Liddy attorney John B. Williams.

Williams said Tuesday that the conservative talk-show host is not liable for defamation because what he has said is true.

"We're simply saying the conventional theory (of Watergate) is not correct andthere's good reason to endorse an alternate theory," Williams said.

Liddy arranged the June 17, 1972, burglary that ultimately led to PresidentNixon's 1974 resignation. Liddy later served four years and four months in prison.

The suit contends Liddy has repeatedly, and falsely, claimed the break-in was ordered not to repair a previously installed telephone tap but to recover photos and phone numbers of Dean's fiancee. According to the suit, Liddy says Dean's fiancee was a member of a call-girl ring.

Dean, who cooperated with Watergate prosecutors and served four months inprison, on Tuesday denied being the Watergate mastermind.

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