New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after harassment and ethics inquiry
publishers 36articles 42first reported 25 Sep, 01:35 UTCdeveloping since 25 Sep · 5 editions
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday after Gov. Mikie Sherrill demanded that he step down following an investigation that found sexual harassment and ethics violations.
Sherrill announced that she had accepted Caldwell’s resignation, saying the inquiry documented “serious, repeated violations of state policy.” Because New Jersey’s lieutenant governor is independently elected, the governor could not fire him directly.
The 61-page report said Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staff member’s friend and, after being rebuffed, told the staffer, “you young women are looking for young sperm.” Investigators concluded that the comment constituted sexual harassment and found Caldwell’s denial that he made it not credible.
The inquiry also found that Caldwell advocated for the promotion of a state employee with whom he was in a relationship without initially disclosing that relationship. It said he brought personal guests to ticketed events without providing reimbursement as required by ethics rules.
Caldwell denied wrongdoing. His attorney, Thomas Calcagni, disputed the report’s findings and said Caldwell resigned to end what he called a campaign to discredit his character. Calcagni said Caldwell’s legal team was considering possible remedies.
Sherrill named acting state Comptroller Shirley Emehelu as acting secretary of state, another role Caldwell held and one responsible for overseeing elections. Caldwell, a Methodist pastor and former university president, took office with Sherrill in January.
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Written from 8 articles, 3 with the publisher's own text; 8 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one (7 if wire copies count as one too); this version written within the hour the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
- Publishers
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- Given to the writer
- 8, 3 with the article's own text
- Independent newsrooms
- 8 (7 if wire copies count as one)
- This version written
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- kept as written
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