Barry Avoids Jail Time Over Tax Troubles

WASHINGTON - A federal judge is upholding Marion Barry's probation in a criminal tax case, meaning the longtime politician will avoid the possibility of prison.

D.C.'s former mayor, who now serves as Ward 8 councilman, pleaded guilty in 2005 to misdemeanor charges for failing to file tax returns from 1999 to 2004.

As part of his plea bargain, Barry agreed to file future federal and local tax returns annually.

But prosecutors have since accused Barry of missing deadlines for filing federal and D.C. tax returns for 2005.

On Thursday, Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson decided that prosecutors didn't prove Barry willfully failed to file his returns, even if he was aware he missed the deadline.

Barry expressed his relief after the hearing.

"It's good to have a good God, a good lawyer and a good judge," he said.

June has been a court-filled month for Barry.

On June 14, he was acquitted of drunken driving and other offenses stemming from his arrest last year near the White House.

(Copyright 2007 by WTOP and The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)