Lawmaker arraigned on sex charges

BOSTON, June 5 (UPI) -- Massachusetts State Sen. J. James Marzilli Jr., arraigned on sexual contact charges, faces further investigation, officials say.

The veteran Democratic lawmaker and self-styled ultra-liberal was charged with trying to grope a woman and harass another on the street in downtown Lowell.

Prosecutor Richard Mucci called Marzilli's actions "frightening and out of control."

Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone Jr. said officers were investigating a report of an assault in Arlington last year, one in Brighton two years ago and additional reports in Lowell.

Marzilli, 50, pleaded not guilty and was freed on $1,500 bail, the Boston Globe said.