Senator Facing Lewd Charges In Psychiatric Hospital

BOSTON -- A state senator who was accused of lewd acts and making lewd comments to women in Lowell has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

Sen. James Marzilli, 50, was being treated for an undisclosed illness Thursday, according to his lawyer, Terrence Kennedy.

"This has been an extremely trying time for his wife and family. They appreciate the overwhelming support they've received from many friends and constituents of Jim Marzilli," Kennedy said in a statement.

A source close to Marzilli told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that Marzilli was seeking treatment at McLean Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Belmont.

Marzilli was arraigned Wednesday 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, a 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.

Earlier Thursday, Marzilli said that he would not seek re-election.