Washington City Paper is reporting tonight that Councilmember Marion Barry has funneled nearly $1 million dollars in city funds to six nonprofits under the apparent control of his own staff. Barry first secured funding for the groups in June 2008. But here’s the catch: This was months before the groups existed, city records show.

Furthermore, incorporation documents appear to be marred by highly irregular representations. Two supposed incorporators of multiple organizations say their signatures were forged onto the papers, and one alleged director is a person who doesn’t exist. And the documents were drawn up by paid Barry staffers and notarized by a close political ally of Barry. A Barry associate closely oversees the operations of all the groups.

These actions are entirely unconnected to Barry’s contractual dealings with former girlfriend Donna Watts-Brighthaupt but raise similar questions about his use of public funds.

Read the entire story on Barry’s financial dealings, and his staff’s involvement.

Photo By Darrow Montgomery