Senator won't seek new term amid sex case

BOSTON -- A state senator accused of attempting to grope one woman and of making lewd comments to another said Thursday he would not seek re-election in the fall.

James Marzilli's staff "will continue to respond to the needs of constituents within the district" until his term expires in January, the Democrat said in a statement.

Marzilli wrote that he and his wife "ask 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. His lawyer, Terrence 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.