The hits just keep coming for Hiram Monserrate.
Two days after being indicted on federal fraud charges, the former state senator from Queens found himself in another legal jam when the state Legislative Ethics Com mission found “rea sonable cause” to believe he broke ethics laws by ac cepting do nations to a legal defense fund from people doing business with the state.
The findings might be forwarded to Albany DA David Soares after a hearing on the allegations is held.
“Sen. Monserrate solicited registered lobbyists or clients of lobbyists or those otherwise interested in Monserrate’s position as a state senator for contributions,” the commission reported.
Legislators are prohibited from taking money or gifts from anyone who has dealings before the state.
Monserrate raised $128,945 from 70 individuals or entities to defend himself against charges of slashing his girlfriend while serving as a Queens city councilman in December 2008.
He was convicted of misdemeanor assault in October 2009 and booted from the Senate last February.
Three good-government groups — Common Cause,
NYPIRG and the League of Women Voters — filed a formal complaint with the Senate against Monserrate.
A person close to the ex-lawmaker blamed Senate officials for Monserrate’s latest troubles.
“He asked Senate people to set [the defense fund] up. They didn’t do it right. I think he’s paying the price for that,” the person said.
On Tuesday, Monserrate was indicted for allegedly diverting $109,000 in government funds from a nonprofit to his campaign for the Senate.