New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after independent investigation substantiates sexual harassment and ethics violations
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after an independent investigation, conducted by a law firm hired by the state, substantiated findings of sexual harassment and multiple ethics violations against him. Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill had publicly called for his resignation one day before he stepped down. Caldwell also held the role of New Jersey Secretary of State, overseeing elections.
Two sources · Thin corroboration
The 61-page investigative report, produced by an independent law firm hired by the state, found that Caldwell committed repeated ethics violations, including a "substantiated" finding of sexual harassment and improper efforts to secure a state job promotion for a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship, according to Fox News. The report also cited violations of the code of conduct related to bringing guests to ticketed events without reimbursement.
Among the specific findings detailed by Fox News, investigators concluded that Caldwell told a female staffer, "you young women are looking for young sperm" after she told him her younger friend was not interested in a romantic relationship with him. Investigators found Caldwell's denial that he made the remark was not credible.
Speaking on camera outside his home for the first time after his resignation, Caldwell disputed the report's findings, calling it "specious," "ridiculous," and "poorly done," and said he resigned not because of the report but to avoid being "a distraction" to the Sherrill administration. His attorney, Thomas Calcagni, said the conclusions "go further than the evidence supports," as reported by Fox News citing NBC News.