The state is investigating claims of sexual harassment against former State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt. This comes a little more than a day after Hoyt, a well-known Western New York Democrat who's been a central figure in the redevelopment of Buffalo's downtown and waterfront, abruptly left his post with Empire State Development.

Gov. Cuomo's press secretary confirmed the investigation Tuesday.

A source claims Hoyt had a consensual relationship with an employee outside ESD. The source also says the employee made the complaint after their relationship ended.

Another source said last October, Hoyt and the woman agreed to a $50,000 settlement. 

In a statement Tuesday, Hoyt admitted to the relationship and says he agreed to settle to avoid embarrassing his family. He also says the harassment accusations against him are untrue.

The Governor's Office says the State Joint Commission of Public Ethics is reviewing the allegations. It also says Hoyt was warned not to contact his accuser and to cooperate fully with state investigators.

This isn't the first time Hoyt's romantic life has become an issue. He was a longtime Assemblyman before leaving to work for the Cuomo Administration in 2011. In 2008, he admitted to an inappropriate relationship with a legislative intern. He remained in office but was reprimanded by then-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and barred from having interns.