Republican State Rep. Mary Morrissey apologized after being caught on camera pouring water into Democratic colleague Jim Carroll's bag multiple times over five months, a move House Speaker Jill Krowinski vows to investigate.

The incidents, which occurred repeatedly over a five-month period, came to light after Jim Carroll set up a spy camera to identify the culprit. The footage captured Mary Morrissey in the act on two separate occasions. House Speaker Jill Krowinski has called for an investigation into the matter, citing concerns over legislative integrity and respect among colleagues. This unusual series of events adds another layer of tension to an already polarized political environment.

Jim Carroll, a Democratic State Representative, began noticing his bag was frequently soaked in January and February. Despite initially dismissing the occurrences as accidental spills, the problem persisted and even intensified. Carroll's bag would be found almost daily wet after he returned from rehab following a DUI charge in February.

Frustrated and seeking answers, Carroll installed a spy camera to catch the offender. The camera, discreetly placed to monitor his belongings, recorded Mary Morrissey pouring water into his bag on March 23 and 26. Armed with this evidence, Carroll approached House Speaker Jill Krowinski for advice and intervention.

Upon reviewing the footage, Krowinski confronted Morrissey. Morrissey, who has represented Bennington, Vermont since 1997, admitted her actions and expressed remorse. Describing her behavior as 'disrespectful,' she issued a public apology, stating she was 'truly ashamed' of her conduct.

Jim Carroll characterized the constant soaking of his bag as 'torment.' Despite the emotional toll of the harassment, Carroll has shown a willingness to move past the incident. Publicly, he has indicated an openness to reconciliation with Morrissey, though he acknowledges the awkwardness that may accompany such an attempt.

The revelation of Morrissey's actions has prompted House Speaker Jill Krowinski to call for a thorough investigation. Emphasizing the serious nature of the allegations, Krowinski stated that such behavior undermines the integrity and decorum expected within the legislative body. The investigation aims to address the breach of trust and prevent any future occurrences of similar misconduct.

Mary Morrissey has had a long-standing career in Vermont's political landscape, serving her district for over two decades. The incident marks a significant departure from her previous conduct and has shocked many within the state’s political community. Morrissey's apology and the subsequent investigation shed light on the pressures and complexities of legislative work environments.

As the investigation unfolds, the incident raises pertinent questions about workplace behavior and accountability among elected officials. The outcome of the inquiry will likely have broader implications for legislative conduct and the measures in place to address and prevent harassment in the workplace.

Beyond the immediate legislative circle, the incident has garnered public attention, highlighting the vulnerabilities within professional environments. Both Morrissey and Carroll face the task of rebuilding trust among their colleagues and constituents. The investigation and its findings will play a crucial role in determining the next steps and potential resolutions.