Former DC Mayor Marion Barry got some good news this week, at a time when he could use it. A federal judge declined Thursday to revoke Barry’s probation, which would have resulted in prison time for tax charges.
Barry had already pleaded guilty in 2005 to failing to file required tax returns from 1999 to 2004. As part of his plea arrangement, he agreed to file all future federal and local tax returns timely. Despite the agreement, he didn’t file his 2005 returns on time and prosecutors fought for a revocation of his probation. However, Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson would not revoke probation, claiming that prosecutors did not prove that the conduct was willful.
It marked the end (?) in a string of legal troubles for Barry this year. Last week, he was acquitted of drunken driving and other offenses. He still faces an August court date for another driving offense.
Barry is perhaps best known for being filmed smoking cocaine as part of an FBI sting. After a prison sentence, he was elected mayor for another four-year term.
