By: Richard L. Smith
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is calling for Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell to resign following the completion of an independent investigation that substantiated sexual harassment and found violations of state ethics policies.
According to findings released by the Governor’s Office, the investigation concluded that Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staff member’s friend.
After the advance was rejected, investigators found that Caldwell made a sexually charged remark to the staffer.
The report concluded that the conduct constituted sexual harassment under state workplace policy.
The investigation also found that Caldwell sought a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship without disclosing that relationship and brought personal guests to ticketed events without obtaining ethics clearance or paying for their admission.
Sherrill announced Thursday that she had given Caldwell until Friday to resign, saying the investigation uncovered repeated violations of state policy despite previous warnings and training.
“The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling,” Sherrill said, adding that she believes Caldwell’s resignation is necessary.
Caldwell, through attorney Thomas Calcagni, has disputed the findings and challenged the fairness and thoroughness of the investigation.
His attorney said the evidence does not support the conclusions reached in the report.