Barry Says He'll Cooperate With Probe

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- DC Councilman Marion Barry says he'll cooperate fully with an independent probe of a contract he awarded to his girlfriend, Donna Watts-Brightaupt.

The DC Council today, by unanimous voice vote, authorized private attorney Robert Bennet to investigate Barry.

In his only in-depth interview on the subject, Barry, from his home, said U.S. Park police are to blame for the controversy and embarrassment that began on July 4 when Barry was arrested in Anacostia Park on stalking charges after trailing his ex-girlfriend, Watts, who was traveling in a vehicle with her ex-husband.

The stalking charges were dropped, but it came out that Barry had hired his ex to work on a community project at taxpayer's expense. The contract had already paid Watts $15,000. She was owed another $5,000.

During the interview with 9NEWS NOW, Barry produced a document which he says represented a final report from Watts--Brightaupt, and that he says is proof she had been qualified for the work.

Barry's colleagues on the DC Council are said to be furious with him for bringing suspicion and scrutiny to the legislative body.

The former Mayor apologized for that, but he refuses to make a public apology.

In his sit-down interview, Barry said he has no contracting authority, and that is reserved for the Council Chairman Vincent Gray, who has designated that authority to Council Secretary Cynthia Brock-Smith.