Attorney investigating ex-DC Mayor Marion Barry says he broke laws with contract to girlfriend
By APTuesday, February 16, 2010
Attorney: Marion Barry broke laws with contract
WASHINGTON — An attorney investigating a contract that D.C. Councilman Marion Barry gave his girlfriend says the city’s former mayor broke conflict-of-interest laws.
The D.C. Council asked attorney Robert S. Bennett to investigate Barry after details of the contract emerged last summer. Bennett’s report was released Tuesday.
The report says Barry failed to disclose his financial and personal relationships with Donna Watts-Brighthaupt when he submitted a contract for her work.
Barry says the council lacks written rules and procedures for personal service contracts. He says no one can be accused of violating something that didn’t exist.
Bennett also said Barry refused to answer questions during his probe and told a witness to withhold documents.
