Mitchell, John Newton, 1913–88, U.S. Attorney General (1969–72), b. Detroit. A law partner of Richard M. Nixon, he managed Nixon's 1968 presidential campaign and was made (1969) Attorney General. In Mar., 1972, he became head of the Nixon reelection committee, but he resigned in June, following the break-in at the Watergate offices of the Democratic National Committee by employees of the reelection committee. Subsequent investigations of the Watergate affair led to Mitchell's indictment, trial, and conviction (Jan. 1, 1975) on charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and perjury. He was also tried, but acquitted (Apr., 1974), on charges related to the secret contributions to Nixon's campaign funds made by financier Robert Vesco.
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