Mass. Senator Arraigned On New Lewdness Charges

BOSTON -- State Sen. James Marzilli pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he sexually harassed two women in Lowell.

Senator Faces More Assault Charges

Marzilli had already been charged with lewd behavior in connection with incidents involving two other women.

The women involved in the Lowell incidents told a grand jury the Arlington lawmaker yelled explicit remarks to them on June 3.

One of the women, a 60-year-old, said she was waiting for a bus when Marzilli approached her and asked if she was wearing any under garments. She was so shaken that she reportedly fell climbing the stairs of the bus.

Marzilli is accused of attempting to commit indecent assault and battery, annoying and accosting people of the opposite sex, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

"I've confirmed in the press that he has been diagnosed with a bipolar condition. What that condition means and what it involves, I have only read in the press," attorney Terrence Kennedy said.

Kennedy did not claim his client was medically incapacitated.

"He feels prepared to address these charges," he said.

Kennedy would not comment on whether Marzilli would resign his post as a state senator.

Marzilli was freed on $1,500 cash bail. His will return to court on July 28.