Councilmember Barry fined over gifts from contractors

D.C. Councilmember Marion Barry has been censured and fined $13,600 for accepting cash gifts from city contractors.

On Thursday, the board concluded that Barry violated the Council’s code of conduct when he accepted $6,800 from two construction companies that have done business with the city. The owner of one company claimed to have given Barry $2,800 to help pay his bills.

Barry did report the gifts on his financial disclosure statements, but did not inform the Council chairman of his involvement with the companies.

In a statement, Barry called the settlement fair, saying he intended to follow all laws.