More Women Call Police After Senator Faces Lewd Charge

BOSTON -- More women have contacted police about State Sen. James Marzilli after he was arraigned on assault charges Wednesday, and investigators are now determining if new charges will be brought against him, according to a law enforcement source.

Marzilli's arraignment was delayed as police interviewed a second woman who said Marzilli made lewd comments to her in Lowell. Late Wednesday, other woman came forward as a result of broadcast media reports, the source confirmed.

VIDEO: More Women Call Police After Arraignment

Marzilli, 50, was arrested Tuesday in Lowell and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, attempting to commit a crime, assault and battery and obstruction of justice.

Marzilli was accused of approaching a woman who was sitting on a park bench and trying to sexually touch her. When confronted by police, he said his name was Martin Walsh -- the name of another state legislator -- according to officials. Marzilli then fled the area before being apprehended on Middle Street, police said.

Before his arraignment in Lowell District Court Wednesday, the second woman came forward and said that Marzilli made inappropriate comments to her in the same area of Lowell.

"The defendant's behavior based on these two incidents would appear to be frightening and out of control at this point. He is accosting local women in Lowell. At least two have come forward at this point with their stories. They have both identified the defendant as the person who accosted them," prosecutor Richard Mucci said.

The accusations came just one month after officials decided not to charge Marzilli after another woman claimed he also touched her inappropriately on April 6.

"The commonwealth feels that the defendant is a danger to the community," Mucci said.

Marzilli's wife, Susan Shaer, a political activist, watched as prosecutors appealed to the judge to hold Marzilli for three days pending a dangerousness hearing. Judge Neil Walker refused the request, and the senator was released on personal recognizance.

"These are troubling allegations, and we take them very seriously. We will pay close attention to this matter as it develops," Senate President Therese Murray said in a statement after Marzilli's arrest.