From ABC News · ABC News · · 1m 10s
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after ethics probe
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after ethics probe finds sexual harassment claims.
In brief
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after ethics probe finds sexual harassment claims. New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned following an ethics investigation that found sexual harassment claims and repeated policy violations. Originally reported by ABC News.
Resignation announcement
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday after an ethics investigation found serious repeated policy violations including sexual harassment claims.
“serious, repeated violations of state policy, including ethical lapses and a substantiated finding of sexual harassment”
Investigation findings
The probe found credible evidence Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staffer's friend and made sexually inappropriate comments after being rebuffed.
“a romantic advance toward a female staffer's friend”
Governor's statement
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the investigation shows a pattern of concerning behavior with multiple ethics violations and sexual harassment claims.
“a pattern and practice of long term concerning behavior multiple ethics trainings, multiple ethics violations, sexual harassment”
Legal response
Caldwell's attorney stated they will continue to challenge the report and called the resignation a response to a targeted campaign to discredit his character.
“Dr. Caldwell's resignation, submitted to put an end to the targeted campaign to discredit his character”
Investigation origin
The probe began with an anonymous complaint accusing Caldwell of hitting on women at functions using taxpayer money and asking women out on dates.
“hitting on women at functions while traveling using taxpayer money”
Interim appointment
Sherrill appointed an interim secretary of state to oversee New Jersey's midterm elections following Caldwell's resignation.
“appointing an interim secretary of state to oversee the midterm elections”
In short
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned following an ethics investigation that found sexual harassment claims and repeated policy violations.
