Background
Ward F. Dean is a West Point graduate and a medical doctor. He served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of commander.
Theories Advocated/Promoted
Dean appears to have bought into Irwin Schiff's claims that there is no law making anyone liable for the income tax, and that you can avoid satisfy the requirement of a return, while avoiding any liability for any tax, by filing a zero return.
Books, Web Sites, Videos, and Organizations
Dean has had a web site, http://www.WardDeanMD.com, which promotes both his tax theories and his anti-aging theories.
Court Actions
On 12/7/2005, Dean was found guilty of five counts of tax evasion and one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct or impede the administration of the tax laws. He was eventually sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $290,997.44. United States v. Ward Franklin Dean, No. 3:05cr25 (U.S.D.C. N.D.Fl. 7/13/2006), aff'd 487 F.3d 840 (11th Cir. 2007) (per curiam), cert. den. No. 07-553 (2/25/2008). Dean was held in custody after his conviction because he was deemed a flight risk.
After his conviction and while still in prison, Dean filed a civil action against the United States challenging the validity of the tax liens that had been filed against him and the continuing levy on his Navy pension. The federal district court has granted summary judgment for the United States, finding that Dean's allegations of various procedural defects were wrong as a matter of law. Ward Dean v. United States, 2009 TNT 129-25, No. 3:08-cv-00125 (U.S.D.C. N.D.Fla. 7/7/2009).
He was released from federal prison on June 19, 2012.
Students/Disciples/Associates
Dean is a student Irwin Schiff, and Dean's web site promotes (or has promoted) Schiff's books and claims. During his trial, Dean was represented by attorney Larry Becraft.