New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Sept. 24 called for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell’s resignation after an independent investigation found he allegedly engaged in ethics violations and sexual harassment.
The investigation was initiated in May after New Jersey’s chief ethics officer received an anonymous letter accusing Caldwell of violating workplace policy.
“The investigation fully examined the evidence, followed the facts, and protected everyone’s privacy. In my Administration, we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient,” the governor said in a statement.
“The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”
Sherrill said that the investigation found that Caldwell engaged in “serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office.”
The governor said she had given Caldwell until Sept. 25 to resign.
“These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration. The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings,” she said.
“The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. I’ve seen firsthand how a hostile culture can undermine everyone’s ability to succeed.”
Caldwell’s lawyer, Thomas Calcagni, disputed the allegations, calling the investigation a one-sided operation that did not include necessary due process.
“The Lieutenant Governor was not provided a meaningful opportunity to address each of these anonymous allegations,” he said in a statement.
The 61-page report stated that Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend and, after being rebuffed, he allegedly told the staffer: “You, young women are looking for young sperm.” The report said his comment constituted sexual harassment.
Calcagni said his client had categorically denied making the comment and noted that a state police trooper who was present at the time of the alleged incident did not hear it.
According to the report, Caldwell violated state ethics rules by bringing personal guests to ticketed events without obtaining the required ethics clearance and paying for admissions.
The report also alleged that Caldwell repeatedly attempted to secure a promotion for a staffer with whom he had a romantic relationship, in violation of state ethics rules.
Calcagni acknowledged that Caldwell recommended a staff member with whom Caldwell had a personal relationship for a promotion, but said Caldwell did so because he believed she was qualified. He also denied claims that Caldwell ordered anyone to promote the staff member.
“There is a difference between failing to disclose a personal relationship when forwarding the resume of a qualified job applicant and actually using the power of public office to secure a job or financial benefit for someone,” Calcagni said.
The governor can assign or remove Caldwell from certain responsibilities but does not have the authority to fire him. Any impeachment or removal of a lieutenant governor would require action by the Legislature.
As New Jersey’s lieutenant governor, Caldwell is first in line to succeed Sherrill if she is removed from office or becomes incapacitated.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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