TRENTON, New Jersey — Gov. Mikie Sherrill is demanding Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resign after an independent investigation concluded he sexually harassed a woman and repeatedly violated state ethics rules.
The 61-page report, prepared by Lowenstein Sandler LLP, found “credible evidence” that Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend. After being rejected, investigators found he told the staffer, referring to the two women, “You young women are looking for young sperm.” The report concluded the sexually charged remark constituted workplace harassment and caused the employee to avoid interactions and travel with Caldwell.
Investigators also found Caldwell improperly sought a promotion for a state employee he was dating and repeatedly brought personal guests to ticketed events without paying admission, despite ethics training and warnings.
Sherrill said the findings showed “serious, repeated violations of state policy” and gave Caldwell until Friday to resign. She said the behavior represented a pattern that failed to meet her administration’s standards.
Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, disputed the conclusions, arguing the investigation denied Caldwell meaningful due process and that the evidence did not justify the findings. Caldwell is an elected lieutenant governor, meaning Sherrill cannot simply remove him from that office.
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