Dale Caldwell resigns after investigation reveals misconduct

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell has resigned following an independent investigation that substantiated sexual harassment and found multiple violations of state ethics rules, abruptly ending his first year in office. 
Resignation Follows Governor’s Ultimatum
Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Friday that Caldwell submitted his resignation after she demanded that he step down following the release of the investigative findings. 
Sherrill had given Caldwell until Friday to resign, saying the investigation found serious and repeated violations of state policy and failures to uphold the responsibilities of his office. 
Caldwell’s resignation came less than 24 hours after Sherrill publicly called for his departure, bringing a rapid conclusion to a controversy that had intensified during September. 
The governor said she accepted Caldwell’s resignation and thanked him for his service during her campaign and the administration’s first months in office. 
What the Investigation Found
The 61-page investigation was conducted by Lowenstein Sandler after New Jersey’s Chief Ethics Officer initiated a probe into allegations against Caldwell, according to the report. 
Investigators concluded that a complaint involving Caldwell’s conduct toward a female staffer constituted sexual harassment under the state workplace policy. 
The report said Caldwell made a romantic advance toward the staffer’s friend and later made a sexually inappropriate remark after that advance was rejected. 
According to investigators, the staffer subsequently changed how she interacted with Caldwell, attempted to distance herself from him and avoided traveling with him when possible. 
The investigation also examined comments Caldwell allegedly made about women, including remarks concerning a “first lady” and repeated references to employees’ “executive appearance.” 
Additional Ethics Violations
Investigators found that Caldwell sought assistance securing a promotion for a state employee with whom he was romantically involved without initially disclosing their relationship. New Jersey Monitor
The report concluded that state ethics rules prohibited Caldwell from becoming involved in official matters concerning someone with whom he had a romantic relationship. New Jersey Monitor
The employee ultimately did not receive the promotion and later left state government, according to the investigation and Caldwell’s attorney. 
Investigators also identified seven ticketed events where Caldwell brought personal guests who entered without payment or the required ethics clearance, despite previous guidance about the rules. New Jersey Monitor
The events included performances and public gatherings with ticket prices ranging from $65 to $300, according to the investigative report. New Jersey Monitor
Caldwell Disputes the Findings
Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, strongly disputed the investigation’s conclusions and argued that the report relied too heavily on anonymous allegations, interpretations and disputed testimony. 
His legal team also raised due-process concerns, saying Caldwell was not given a meaningful opportunity to address all accusations or present witnesses supporting his account. 
Caldwell denied making the specific sexual remark cited in the report and previously rejected allegations that he pursued women romantically while conducting official business. 
His attorney also argued that forwarding a résumé for someone he knew did not amount to ordering officials to provide a promotion or using government authority improperly. 
What Happens Next?
Caldwell also served as New Jersey secretary of state, overseeing the state’s Division of Elections, making his departure especially significant with the November general election approaching. 
Sherrill announced that Acting State Comptroller Shirley Emehelu would serve as acting secretary of state while the governor searches for a replacement lieutenant governor. 
Emehelu previously worked at the U.S. Department of Justice and New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and said elections would continue to be conducted freely, fairly and with integrity. 
Sherrill said she would begin selecting a new lieutenant governor, while Caldwell’s resignation ends an episode that has already generated scrutiny over ethics, workplace conduct and administrative oversight.