Ward 3 D.C. Council member (not to mention law professor) Mary Cheh is the first one out of the gate to call for formal action against Ward 8’s Marion Barry. In a statement, Cheh said it was important that she and her colleagues vocally “condemn” Barry for his ethics violations, which appear to have once again put the former mayor on the wrong side of the law.

“I was deeply saddened and disturbed by the findings and conclusions in the Bennett report,” Cheh said. “Nevertheless, it was vital to the integrity of the Council that all of what happened be fully disclosed to the public. Nothing has been hidden. Nothing held back.”

Additionally, Cheh noted the importance of acting on recommendations to refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney’s office.

The results of an investigation into Barry released today revealed evidence that the former mayor routinely has violated ethics rules while serving on the D.C. Council, generally by directing earmark grants to his close friends and associates. Barry has also been accused of taking kickbacks by paying a city salary to his former girlfriend, and then having her give him a portion of that money.

UPDATE: Cheh spokesperson Asher Corson got in touch to let us know that his boss has also said she would support a resolution of censure for Barry. “She is not only calling for a ‘verbal condemnation,'” Corson said.