New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell resigned from his post on Friday, a day after Governor Mikie Sherrill released a report on an investigation that found he had engaged in sexual harassment and violated state ethics rules.
The report, released Thursday night, said Caldwell had tried to get a promotion for a state employee he was dating. Caldwell's lawyer, Thomas Calcagni, had previously said his client acknowledged recommending the woman for a promotion, but denied ordering anyone to promote her.
Also read: What happened to Noah Woods? Timeline of 3-year-old Suffolk boy's disappearance and death
What else did the investigation find?
The 61-page investigation, conducted by former state attorney general Christopher Porrino and his law firm Lowenstein Sandler, alleged Caldwell's comments toward a female staffer amounted to sexual harassment.
Caldwell, 66, had made an advance toward a staff member's friend, and when he was rebuffed, told the staffer, “you young women are looking for young sperm.”
The report also alleged Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed events, including the opera, without paying for them, as required by ethics rules.
{{/usCountry}}The report also alleged Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed events, including the opera, without paying for them, as required by ethics rules.
{{/usCountry}}Calcagni previously said his client "categorically denies" making the sperm statement. Caldwell also denied other claims, including that he gives out his business cards to women for inappropriate reasons.
Caldwell's response to the allegations
The investigation began after an anonymous complaint was sent in May to state ethics officials and The New York Times.
In response, Caldwell said in May that the complaint was "inaccurate, misleading, and completely false."
In a letter included in the law firm's report, Caldwell said he suspected his relationships with women were being subjected to extra scrutiny because he was a single Black man.
In a statement to local media before Sherrill announced the resignation, Caldwell's lawyer Thomas Calcagni disputed the investigation's findings, saying the “one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state.”
Caldwell's role and background
Governor Sherrill chose Caldwell, a Methodist pastor and former president of Centenary University, as her running mate last year. They took office in January. Within four months, Caldwell became the subject of an anonymous complaint about his behavior with women.
As lieutenant governor, Caldwell also served as secretary of state and New Jersey's chief election official. He also served as acting governor whenever Sherrill was away.
(With inputs of Bloomberg and AP)