Frank Anthony Sturgis Watergate burglar Date of Birth: 09.12.1924 Country: USA

1. Biography of Frank Anthony Sturgis
2. Military Service and Nightclub Management
3. Activities in Latin America and Alleged CIA Connections
4. Involvement in Assassination Attempts
5. Watergate Scandal and Aftermath

Biography of Frank Anthony Sturgis

Frank Anthony Sturgis, also known as Frank Anthony Fiorini and later Frank Anthony Sturgis, was a key figure in the Watergate scandal, earning him the title of one of the "Watergate burglars." He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved there with his family at a young age. In 1942, Sturgis joined the Marine Corps and served in the Pacific during World War II. After the war, he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and later worked in a tavern.

Military Service and Nightclub Management

Sturgis returned to the military from 1950 to 1952 and then briefly managed a nightclub in Virginia. On September 23, 1952, he legally changed his name to Frank Anthony Sturgis in honor of his stepfather, Ralph Sturgis. Interestingly, he became almost namesake with the fictional character Hank Sturgis from Howard Hunt's novel 'Bimini Run,' as their biographies shared some similarities.

Activities in Latin America and Alleged CIA Connections

In 1956, Sturgis relocated to Cuba and spent time in Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Honduras. There were rumors that he worked as a mercenary for the CIA during this time, but the Rockefeller Commission's findings in 1975 contradicted these claims. However, Sturgis was involved in some shady activities, as he was arrested for illegal weapon possession in July 1958. After Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba, Sturgis formed the "Anti-Communist Brigade."

Involvement in Assassination Attempts

In 1959, Sturgis became involved with Marita Lorenz, who was having a romantic relationship with Fidel Castro at the time. In January 1960, Sturgis and Lorenz attempted to poison Castro. There were also rumors linking Sturgis to the Bay of Pigs invasion, Operation 40, and even the assassination of John Kennedy. However, it was only after the legendary Watergate scandal that Sturgis gained significant attention.

Watergate Scandal and Aftermath

On June 17, 1972, Sturgis, along with Virgilio González, Eugenio Martínez, Bernard Barker, and James W. McCord Jr., was apprehended for their involvement in wiretapping the Democratic National Committee's office in the Watergate complex in Washington. Their connection to Howard Hunt allowed reporters to uncover their ties to the White House. Bob Woodward, a reporter for The Washington Post, received shocking information from an anonymous source – President Richard Nixon had paid the burglars for information on his political opponents.

In January 1973, Sturgis, Hunt, González, Martínez, Barker, McCord, and Gordon Liddy were convicted for burglary, conspiracy, and illegal wiretapping. While in prison, Sturgis gave an interview to Andrew St. George, claiming that the information he revealed was so secretive that he would be immediately eliminated for disclosing it. Andrew published the interview, but Sturgis lived on until 1993 when he passed away from cancer.