Prominent GOP lobbyist to be tried on sex-assault charges

A noted Philadelphia Republican lobbyist was ordered Thursday to stand trial on sexual-assault charges in a September incident involving a 27-year-old woman.

Andrew J. Marsico was held for court on seven counts, including aggravated indecent assault without consent, unlawful restraint, and false imprisonment. A count of reckless endangerment was dismissed by Municipal Court Judge Roger F. Gordon at the end of the preliminary hearing.

Defense attorney Fortunato N. Perri Jr. said Marsico "continues to maintain his innocence and plans to clear his good name at trial."

Assistant District Attorney Kristen Kemp said the alleged victim was the only witness to testify at the hearing. The woman told police that she met Marsico, 40, at an event at the Union League and that, afterward, they went to Marsico's office at Greenlee Partners at the nearby Bellevue hotel.

The woman said the alleged assault took place about 10 p.m. in Marsico's office.

Marsico, who is married to 6ABC reporter Annie McCormick, is part of a family prominent in GOP politics. His brother is longtime Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico, and a cousin, Ron Marsico, is a Republican state representative from the Harrisburg area. Greenlee Partners is considered one of the most prominent lobbying firms in Harrisburg, and Marsico's clients included tobacco companies and Camelot, the British firm that won the bid in Gov. Corbett's unsuccessful attempt to privatize the state lottery.