More Marion Accusations: ‘It’s Getting Real Crazy’

Just after being arrested for stalking over the 4th of July, more allegations have been made against D.C. Ward 8 Councilman, Marion Barry. This time they include fraud, forgery and misappropriation of grant funds.

The allegations have been brought forth by Sharon Wise, who is a “longtime friend” of Barry’s. Wise claims that grant money, set aside for Clean and Sober, a program Wise worked on, was misappropriated. Wise also claims her and her son’s signatures were forged on documents. (Clean and Sober & Marion Barry – am I the only one that finds that a bit humorous?)

Yesterday, At-Large D.C. Councilman David Catania was scheduled to hold a hearing on the allegations, but evidently after getting even more information about the accusations, he opted to read a three-page statement instead, and asked that the case be subject to further review.

According to the statement Catania read:

‘Sharon Wise, a council grant recipient, had approached my office in May of this year with certain allegations and supporting documentation.”

Wise says she was “surprised” to see her signature on documents sent to her from the Office of the Council Chairman last summer, making it appear as if she had applied for the grants herself, which Wise states is not the case.”

Wise also claims Marion Barry controlled the grant money, even after it was awarded and disbursed to seven groups in Ward 8, which according to Catania,

“These accusations are extremely serious and should be reviewed.”

The case is being investigated by the Inspector General.

Wise says she has had to hire an attorney because “It’s getting real crazy.”

Without surprise, Marion Barry has denied any wrongdoing.

Barry is also claiming that these allegations are a retaliation against him for his stance against the D.C. Council’s decision to recognize same-sex marriages that were performed in states and countries that have ended marriage discrimination.