A committee to investigate Queens Senator Hiram Monserrate met Monday night, following official approval from the Senate. Monserrate was convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge last month, stemming from a fight with his girlfriend. Now the Senate has launched their own probe. Monday, they had the official vote to form that committee and conveniently absent was the Senator himself. Michael Whittemore has the full story.

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Monserrate was found guilty of injuring his fiancée and is set to be sentenced December 4th. He was convicted of misdemeanor assault.

The special committee of inquiry is being led by Democratic Senator Eric Schneiderman.

Monserrate, who was in Albany for special session, didn't comment on the vote.

"I did get here in time for the joint session. We've got a lot of interesting information from the Governor with respect to his budget reduction plan and you know, we're gonna have our work cut out for us," Monserrate said.

"What did you think of the vote today?" a reporter asked.

"I really don't have much to say on that," Monserrate said.

A felony conviction would have resulted in Monserrate's automatic removal from the Senate. Some senators have called for him to resign.

A staffer for the Senate democrats said he wasn't sure how many meetings or how much testimony would be needed to complete the investigation, but he says they hope to have it wrapped up by Thanksgiving. They'll then send their recommendations to the full Senate, who could vote to have him removed from office.