Barry Spokesperson: Charges 'Baseless'

WASHINGTON, D.C. - An attorney for former D.C. Mayor and current D.C. Councilmember Marion Barry called stalking charges filed against him "baseless" on Monday.

In a morning news conference on the steps of the Wilson Building, Attorney Fred Cooke, with Barry at his side, said the Ward 8 Councilmember spent the better part of the day Saturday socializing with his accuser. He had even been invited to her house, according to Cooke.

Cooke said the two had been in a relationship for the past eighteen months.
"We believe that the charge stems from a personal relationship that has gone horribly wrong in a lot of ways," said Cooke.

Cooke said Barry and his accuser started the day heading for the beach, but turned around when they reached Annapolis. He says she then invited Barry to her house for dinner. Later in the evening, Cooke said Barry was driving through Anacostia Park on his way home when the alleged incident took place.

"It is my understanding from practicing law in the District of Columbia if an officer is to arrest an individual on a misdemeanor charge, the misdemeanor has to occur in the presence of the officer," said Cooke.

U.S. Park Police say they were flagged down by the women who made the claim. Donna Watts was home Monday, but declined to tell her side of the story on camera. Instead, she released a statement which seemingly contradicts the claim she made against Barry. It reads in part:

"It is senseless to publicly and 'officially' accuse Marion of stalking after having a meal with him an hour earlier."

In response to a statement from Barry's spokesperson Sunday, Watts wrote:

"I am disappointed that Marion chose to label me troubled."

She then went on to say:

"I have in my possession detailed accounts, evidence filled and factually-based colorful presentation style addressed binders ready for release. It was hastily put together with the goal of further weakening Marion's credibility in an attempt to strengthen mine. After consulting with my family and concerned friends, I've now decided this isn't the battle to choose."

"If we are forced to proceed forward in court, we will demonstrate in court that they are false," Cooke said.

Although the police have charged Marion Barry with a crime, it is up to the U.S. Attorney's Office whether or not to prosecute the case.

Barry will have to appear in court on Thursday morning, where he will be told if the case will go forward or be dropped.