Former federal prosecutor will review contract between Marion Barry and ex-girlfriend

DC Council to probe Marion Barry contract

WASHINGTON — The head of the District of Columbia Council says a former federal prosecutor will look into a contract between former mayor Marion Barry and his ex-girlfriend.

Council Chairman Vincent Gray said Friday that former federal prosecutor Robert Bennett has been appointed to review whether Barry complied with city laws and Council rules in awarding a contract to Donna Watts-Brighthaupt while the two were in a relationship. Barry is now a member of the council.

Barry says he believes the probe will show that he did not violate any laws.

Gray did not say when Bennett’s findings would be issued.

Gray says that council members are working to draft a code of conduct and ethics for members and staff.