WASHINGTON -- An attorney for former District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry said Monday he's confident that the veteran politician will be cleared of any accusation that he was stalking his now former girlfriend.
At a news conference Monday, attorney Frederick Cooke said Barry vehemently denies the allegation by Donna Watts-Brighthaupt, who said the city councilman wouldn't leave her alone. Barry stood behind Cooke but said nothing.
Cooke said Barry and Watts-Brighthaupt were on their way to Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Saturday when she changed her mind. Cooke said the two returned to Washington, and Barry was just driving home when he ended up behind the woman. He said Barry didn't know where the woman was when he started driving home through the park where the arrest occurred.
In a blistering attack, Cooke accused Watts-Brighthaupt of "instability" and "striking out at Mr. Barry," and insisted that her initial accusation and then her "recanting" it in press reports shows how unstable she is and little credibility she has.
The 73-year-old Barry is still married to Cora Masters Barry because a divorce has not been finalized between the two.
Cooke said Barry will appear in court Thursday to learn whether the U.S. attorney will file formal charges. He said the charge of misdemeanor stalking is current under review, and he expects it to be dropped.
FOX News' Mike Levine and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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