Marion Barry speaks out about stalking charges

(AP Photo/Stephen J Boitano)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry says he should never have been arrested on charges he was stalking his ex-girlfriend.

Barry said Thursday that he did nothing to deserve Saturday's arrest, and it "caused great pain" to his family and the community.

The 73-year-old D.C. Council member's former girlfriend, Donna Watts-Brighthaupt, has denied accusing him of stalking.

Federal prosecutors on Wednesday dropped charges against Barry. Meanwhile, Watts-Brighthaupt has denied reports that Barry gave her a $60,000 city contract because she was struggling financially. She says she received $15,000 for writing a proposal for an education program.

The D.C. attorney general said Thursday that the situation merits an investigation.