New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday after an independent investigation found that he violated state workplace and ethics rules, including a substantiated finding of sexual harassment.
The 61-page report , dated September 23, found Caldwell responsible for violations of the state’s workplace discrimination policy as well as ethics rules governing state officials. The investigation began after an anonymous complaint dated May 6 was received by the governor’s Chief Ethics Officer on May 14. Caldwell was formally notified of the investigation on May 22.
The investigation, conducted by the law firm Lowenstein Sandler, was launched after an anonymous complaint was received by the governor’s Chief Ethics Officer in May. Sherrill announced the findings Thursday and said Caldwell’s resignation was necessary and in the best interests of New Jersey residents.
Lowenstein Sandler said it interviewed numerous witnesses, including Caldwell, and reviewed relevant documents and other evidence before reaching its findings.
Investigation finds sexual harassment violation
Investigators said some witnesses reported concerns, while others said they had not personally seen Caldwell behave inappropriately. In a statement reported by NBC10 , Calcagni said the process failed to provide Caldwell a meaningful opportunity to address the allegations and identify witnesses with firsthand knowledge. The investigation also examined broader allegations about Caldwell’s conduct toward women at official events. Caldwell has denied wrongdoing. His attorney, Thomas Calcagni, called the investigation one-sided and argued that Caldwell was not given adequate due process. He also raised concerns about confidentiality during the investigation.
