New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Resigns After Sexual Harassment Investigation
Governor Mikie Sherrill accepted Caldwell's resignation after an independent probe substantiated claims of sexual harassment and ethics violations.
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday following an independent investigation that substantiated claims of sexual harassment and ethics violations against him, according to an announcement by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
Sherrill stated that Caldwell submitted his resignation that afternoon, which she accepted. The governor had previously given Caldwell a Friday deadline to step down after the investigation concluded he "failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office" and exhibited a pattern of behavior inconsistent with her administration's standards.
The investigation report detailed an incident where Caldwell allegedly told a female staffer, "you young women are looking for young sperm" after she indicated her friend was not interested in a romantic relationship with him. Investigators found this remark constituted sexual harassment and determined that Caldwell's denial of making the statement was not credible.
Caldwell had previously denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the allegations as false and misleading and expressing confidence that the facts would exonerate him.
