to Iran and divert the profits to right-wing Nicaraguan rebels known as the Contras. The operation had been engineered out of the White House by Marine Lt. Col. Oliver North, who served on the National Security Council staff. North was then aided by CIA Director William Casey. In September 1991, George was indicted on 9 counts, including making false statements to Congress. After the first court case ended in a mistrial, George was retried in the fall of 1992 on seven counts, resulting in being found guilty on two charges of false statements to Congressional staff. Before George was sentenced, President Bush pardoned him on December 24, 1992. along with several other former administration officials including former defense secretary Caspar W. Weinberger. In popular culture In the book and subsequent film adaptation of Charlie Wilson's War, Clair George is referenced in an argument between CIA case officer Gust Avrakotos and Director of European Operations Henry Cravely, portrayed on screen by Philip Seymour Hoffman and John Slattery respectively. See also List of people pardoned or granted clemency by the president of the United States References External links Article about Jan Pottker events Article about animal rights activists Contemporaneous article about Clair George's 10-count felony indictment Obituary of Mary George, Clair George's wife 1930 births 2011 deaths American spies Iran–Contra affair Military personnel from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania State University alumni People of the Central Intelligence Agency Recipients of American presidential pardons Recipients of the Distinguished Intelligence Medal