Federal prosecutors face a minefield of obstacles in deciding whether to pursue corruption charges against D.C. Councilman Marion Barry, from the statements of a seemingly conflicted lead witness to a long history of failed actions against the former mayor.

Barry was censured Tuesday, stripped of his housing committee chairmanship and removed from the finance and revenue committee for awarding a personal services contract to then-girlfriend Donna Watts-Brighthaupt and abusing the earmark process. The investigative report, depositions and evidence collected by special counsel Robert Bennett, council members agreed, will be referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C.

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