WASHINGTON - While stalking charges were officially dropped Thursday against D.C. Councilman Marion Barry, sources now tell ABC 7 News he could face a probe into the hiring of his ex-girlfriend.

Barry may be facing an inquiry at city council, note sources who tell ABC 7 News that council members will gather behind closed doors Friday afternoon and decide how to proceed.

They say the council wants to get the facts from Barry himself about the hiring of his then girlfriend.

Meanwhile, Barry spoke Thursday morning for the first time since the stalking charges against him were dropped. "If this inappropriate arrest had not occurred, we would not be going through this pain," he said.

Barry's ex-girlfriend, Donna Watts-Brighthaupt, said she was relieved the case was over. "It's a tragedy. I paid heavily, my family paid heavily," she said.

As much as the two may want to move forward, there are still major questions about Barry hiring Watts-Brighthaupt while the two were romantically involved.

City records reveal Barry hired her and she received a $60,000 contract to work in his office. She was paid at least $20,000 of taxpayer money but so far no one is saying whether or not that was legal.

Barry's camp has not provided documents proving she actually worked and on Thursday, he wasn't taking questions about any of it. 

"We are not here to discuss the contract," said Barry's spokeswoman.

When asked Thursday night for his reaction to the matter, Mayor Fenty said, "We are going to defer for right now."

Fenty added it's council business and up to its members to investigate. 

"If the council does not act I am going to take a look at it. I have an obligation as an attorney to look at it," added D.C. Attorney General Peter Nickles. 

"The first question is did Marion Barry break any laws -- that's what we are going to determine," said D.C. Councilman Tommy Wells.
Meanwhile, residents in the District proclaimed their disgust with the situation Thursday.

"I think there's a general conflict of interest," said one resident.

"It is a pattern of misbehavior and I am kind of tired of it," added another. 

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