NY Senate approves inquiry into Monserrate

ALBANY -- The New York state Senate has unanimously approved a committee to investigate the conduct of state Sen. Hiram Monserrate, who was convicted of misdemeanor assault.

The special committee of inquiry is being led by Democratic Sen. Eric Schneiderman. Monserrate, a Democrat, was found guilty of injuring his fiancee, Karla Giraldo, and will be sentenced Dec. 4.

Monserrate was acquitted of a felony. He and Giraldo both said a gash on her face was the result of an accident with a broken glass.

He was convicted of the lesser charge for dragging her from his apartment.

A felony conviction would have resulted in Monserrate's automatic removal from the Senate.

Some senators have called for him to resign. The committee has its first meeting Monday evening.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)