Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to revoke the probation of former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry for his alleged failure to file tax returns.
If Barry’s probation is revoked, the man once known as D.C.’s mayor-for-life could return to prison for up to 18 months, according to the original sentencing guidelines.
Barry, 70, agreed last year to three years of probation for failing to file federal or District tax returns from 1999 to 2004. But in an affidavit filed Friday, IRS agents said the District council member still has not filed his 2005 taxes.
In addition, Barry didn’t make arrangements to pay back taxes on more than $500,000 he earned over the five years, and the government began garnishing his paycheck in November. Barry makes $92,500 ayear as the District council member of Ward 8 in Southeast Washington.
In a letter to U.S. Magistrate Deborah Robinson, prosecutors argued that Barry has shown “his unworthiness” for leniency.
“The court’s patience should be at an end,” U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Taylor wrote . “The defendant continues to flout the standards applicable to all persons who reside in the District of Columbia, who work for a living, and who pay a portion of their income to support his salary.”
Barry’s 1990 arrest in connection with drug charges following an FBI sting at a downtown hotel earned him a six-month prison sentence.
He also faces a June trial for several traffic offenses, including driving under the influence.
Barry’s attorney Frederick Cooke Jr. said Monday afternoon he had not talked to Barry about his latest tax return allegations.
