Mass. lawmaker accused in sex case enters hospital

[Ron Burgundy]

AP - A state senator arrested this week for attempting to grope one woman and making lewd comments to a second sought treatment at a hospital Thursday for an undisclosed illness.

State Sen. James Marzilli entered the hospital hours after saying he would not seek re-election in the fall. The decision came a day after he was arraigned in Lowell District Court on multiple charges related to the arrest.

Marzilli's lawyer confirmed that he was seeking treatment.

"Sen. Marzilli was admitted into a local hospital for treatment for an undisclosed illness this afternoon," attorney Terrence Kennedy said. "This has been an extremely difficult time for his wife and family."

A source close to Marzilli told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case that Marzilli was being treated at McLean Hospital, a psychiatric facility in Belmont.

Earlier in the day, Marzilli issued a statement saying that his staff would "continue to respond to the needs of constituents within the district" until the Democrat's term expires in January.

Marzilli wrote that he and his wife asked "for your continued good wishes and support during this very difficult time."

The lawmaker was arrested Tuesday after a woman told police he approached her while she was sitting on a park bench and tried to grab her crotch. A second woman called authorities after seeing media coverage of Marzilli's arrest and said Marzilli made lewd comments to her.

Marzilli, 50, of Arlington, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, assault and battery and obstruction of justice. Kennedy has said his client "completely and totally denies" the charges.

Investigators said they were looking into whether Marzilli may have been responsible for several similar incidents.

Marzilli spent 17 years in the state House before winning a special election in December to fill a vacant seat in the Senate covering several suburbs northwest of Boston.

source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080606/ap_on_re_us/state_senator_arrested [link]