Lawyer says Marzilli has bipolar disorder

July 9, 2008 02:35 PM Email| Comments (0)| Text size – +

By Chris Baxter, Globe Correspondent

LOWELL -- A lawyer for state Senator J. James Marzilli Jr. said today that his client has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but he declined to provide any medical specifics.

J. James Marzilli Jr.

Speaking after Marzilli's arraignment, attorney Terrence W. Kennedy would not say when his client was diagnosed or discuss how the condition is related to charges that he groped four women last month in downtown Lowell.

"I've confirmed that he has been diagnosed with a bipolar condition," Kennedy told reporters without elaborating.

Marzilli stood stone-faced and did not speak when he was arraigned. Wearing a khaki suit and a blue-and-gold striped tie, Marzilli stood with hands folded on a wood railing in Lowell Superior Court. Kennedy entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Marzilli is scheduled to return to court July 28.

The lawyer vowed to fight the accusations, saying that at least one of the charges should be dropped because it conflicted with grand jury testimony given by one of the alleged victims. Marzilli "feels prepared to address the charges," Kennedy said.

The state senator left the courthouse without speaking to reporters, walking hand in hand with his wife. They got in a white Prius hybrid car and drove away.

A Middlesex County grand jury indicted Marzilli on July 1 on charges stemming from the alleged attacks, which occurred during a span of four hours on the afternoon of June 3. The veteran lawmaker from Arlington was arrested that day after leading police on a foot chase.

Marzilli faces four counts of annoying and accosting a person of the opposite sex. He was also indicted on charges of attempting to commit indecent assault and battery, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

After his arrest in June, Marzilli pleaded not guilty to the original charges in Lowell District Court.

Marzilli, a Democrat who served for 17 years in the House before being elected to the Senate in a special election last year, has said he will not run for reelection this fall. He was facing two Democratic opponents and had been considered certain to win the seat. Instead, he could face up to five years in state prison if he is convicted of the most serious charge against him, attempt to commit indecent assault and battery.