Embattled Mass. State Sen. James Marzilli Resigns

State Sen. James Marzilli, awaiting trial for sexually harassing four women in Lowell, has resigned from the Senate.

The announcement Friday came one day after Marzilli drew criticism for a trip last month to Germany, where he represented the Massachusetts Senate at an environmental forum, and also attended a business and academic conference.

In a one-sentence letter delivered to Senate President Therese Murray, Marzilli offered his resignation, effective at 5 p.m.

Murray said in a statement that Marzilli made the right decision for himself, the Senate, and the people of Massachusetts. She also called for Sen. Dianne Wilkerson to follow Marzilli's lead and resign her seat.

Wilkerson was arrested last month on federal bribery charges.

Marzilli did not seek re-election and his term would have expired in January. He won a special election to the Senate in December 2007 after 17 years in the House.