New Jersey Gov. Sherrill Calls on Lieutenant Governor to Resign Over Alleged Ethics Violations

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Sept. 24 called for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell’s resignation after an independent investigation found he allegedly engaged in ethics violations and sexual harassment.

The investigation was initiated in May after New Jersey’s chief ethics officer received an anonymous letter accusing Caldwell of violating workplace policy.

“The investigation fully examined the evidence, followed the facts, and protected everyone’s privacy. In my Administration, we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient,” the governor said in a statement.

“The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”

Sherrill said that the investigation found that Caldwell engaged in “serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office.”

The governor said she had given Caldwell until Sept. 25 to resign.

“These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration. The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings,” she said.

“The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. I’ve seen firsthand how a hostile culture can undermine everyone’s ability to succeed.”

Caldwell’s lawyer, Thomas Calcagni, disputed the allegations, calling the investigation a one-sided operation that did not include necessary due process.

“The Lieutenant Governor was not provided a meaningful opportunity to address each of these anonymous allegations,” he said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This is a developing story that will be updated.