Former DC mayor Marion Barry arrested for stalking

DARCY SPENCER
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, file)

Former Washington DC Mayor Marion Barry is in hot water once again. This time he's accused of stalking.

A spokeswoman for the Ward 8 council member says he's innocent of the stalking charges placed against him Saturday night by U.S. Park Police.

"It is our hope that the charges that councilmember Barry faces today will be dropped, or if nothing more, that the truth of the matter will prevail in a court of law," said Barry spokeswoman Natalie Williams said.

Williams says the accuser is 40-year old Donna Watts.

Williams says Barry has known Watts for a couple of years and considers her a close personal friend who also volunteered on his campaign.

Williams says Barry has helped watts through personal, health, and employment hardships over the years.

"Never did Mr. Barry think that this would come as the payback to him. The best word to describe Mr. Barry at this hour is betrayed," Williams said.

U.S. Park Police say Watts flagged down an officer on patrol in Anacostia Park about 8:45 pm and indicated that Barry was stalking her.

Just how the two came to be in the park is unknown.

Williams says Barry was on his way home when he bumped into Watts.

"Mr. Barry was transported to the United States Park Police District 5 Substation, and after being interviewed by detectives from the U.S. Park Police, in consultation with the U.S. Attorney's Office, a misdemeanor charge of stalking was placed against Mr. Barry," said Sgt. David Schlosser with the U.S Park Police.

Barry was released on his own recognizance and is expected to appear in court to answer the charge later this week.

This is the latest in a string of legal troubles for Barry, who is already on probation for failing to file his taxes on time. Barry was elected mayor four times. During his third term in 1990 he was taped by the FBI in hotel room smoking crack cocaine. He served six months in prison and went on to be elected again as mayor.