New Jersey Gov. Sherrill demands Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resign after misconduct probe
<NJ Gov. Sherrill calls on her lieutenant governor to resign>
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is demanding that Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resign by Friday following an independent investigation that found he engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy, including substantiated sexual harassment and two ethics violations.
The investigation found that Caldwell made a sexually charged remark to a female staffer after an alleged romantic advance toward the staffer’s younger friend was rejected. Investigators concluded that the remark constituted sexual harassment and determined that Caldwell’s denial that he made it was not credible, according to the report.
The inquiry also found that Caldwell used his state position to advocate for a promotion for a state employee with whom he was romantically involved, without disclosing the relationship. Investigators concluded that recommending a romantic partner for a state position violated New Jersey’s ethics rules.
Caldwell was also found to have repeatedly brought personal guests to ticketed events without obtaining required ethics clearance or paying for admission, despite receiving training and warnings about the rules.
“I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so,” Sherrill said Thursday after releasing the investigation. She said the findings reflected a pattern of behavior that persisted despite warnings and training.
Caldwell’s attorneys dispute the findings, arguing that the investigation was one-sided and that he was not given an adequate opportunity to respond to every allegation. Caldwell has also denied wrongdoing and characterized the allegations as based on misinformation and false assumptions.
The investigation began after an anonymous complaint was submitted in May alleging inappropriate behavior toward women and ethics violations. The probe was conducted by the law firm Lowenstein Sandler under the direction of former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
The controversy comes only months after Sherrill and Caldwell took office together. Sherrill had previously selected Caldwell as her running mate and praised his commitment to public service.
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(Sources: Fox News, News 12 New Jersey, New York Post)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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