New York appeals court rules ethics watchdog that pursued Cuomo was created unconstitutionally [Video]

ALBANY, N.Y. — A state commission that investigates ethical violations in New York was created unconstitutionally, an appeals court said Thursday in a ruling that could strip the watchdog agency of its enforcement powers.

The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is fighting an attempt by the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government to force him to forfeit $5 million he got for writing a book about his administration’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cuomo argues the commission lacks authority under the state constitution to prosecute him.

The Appellate Division of state Supreme Court unanimously upheld a lower court in ruling in favor of Cuomo, with judges writing that the creation of the panel “though well intentioned in its actions, violated the bedrock principles of separation of powers.”

It was not immediately clear if the state would seek to appeal the ruling and …