Federal law enforcement officials have opened a preliminary investigation into District of Columbia Council member Marion Barry following news reports that he gave a contract to a girlfriend and allegations he steered city grant money to nonprofit organizations that appeared to be run by members of his staff. A federal law enforcement source described the investigation as a preliminary examination of information that has emerged in media accounts about Barry's, handling of contracts and nonprofit groups. Federal authorities are not sure any crime has been committed but believe they would be remiss if they did not examine such questionable practices, the source said. The D.C. Examiner reported Monday morning that the investigation involved both the FBI and U.S. Justice Department, but sources told the paper it was in its 'earliest stages.' Barry's attorney, Fred Cooke, said he was not aware that federal investigators were looking into matters involving his client. 'They have not contacted me or my client,' Cooke said. 'I do know the FBI has a public integrity system, but does this rise to that? I would be surprised at this point.' Cooke added that none of Barry's friends or associates have informed him that they have been contacted by federal investigators. Cooke noted that the D.C. inspector general is looking into the allegations against Barry. The council has also hired attorney Robert S. Bennett, best known for defending Bill Clinton, to conduct an independent investigation into Barry and the council's process for distributing grant money and contracts. Cooke said he would expect federal law enforcement officials to wait until those investigations are completed before deciding whether any crimes have been committed. 'It seems like an inefficient use of FBI resources to not wait for the inspector general,' Cooke said. Last year, Barry gave his then-girlfriend, Donna Watts-Brighthaupt, a $5,000 city contract. The Washington City Paper has also reported on nearly $1 million in earmarks that Barry helped secure for organizations in Ward 8. Barry, who has denied any wrongdoing, has pledged to cooperate with Bennett and the inspector general. 