From NBC News · Rebecca Shabad · · 1m 50s
New Jersey lieutenant governor resigns over ethics violations
Dale Caldwell steps down after investigation finds sexual harassment and ethics breaches.
In brief
Dale Caldwell steps down after investigation finds sexual harassment and ethics breaches. A state investigation found credible evidence that Caldwell violated ethics rules through sexual harassment, misuse of event tickets, and seeking a promotion for a romantic partner. Originally reported by NBC News.
New Jersey lieutenant governor resigns
Dale Caldwell stepped down Friday after Governor Mikie Sherrill released an ethics investigation finding he violated state policy through sexual harassment and other misconduct.
“He submitted his resignation to me this afternoon, which I accepted.”
Investigation found three violations
The 61-page report found Caldwell made inappropriate comments to a female staffer, brought unpaid guests to ticketed events, and sought a promotion for a romantic partner.
“engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office”
Caldwell's lawyers disputed findings
Caldwell denied the allegations and his attorneys said the investigation was one-sided and lacked proper due process, with conclusions that went beyond the evidence.
“This unnecessarily protracted and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process”
Sherrill defended the investigation
The governor said the probe was thorough and included Caldwell's own statements. She acted quickly once she saw the complaints and findings.
“I think it's very thorough. It lays out exactly what the investigation looked into.”
Part of culture change effort
Sherrill said demanding Caldwell's resignation is part of her effort to dismantle a culture in Trenton that has historically swept misconduct under the rug.
“There has been a culture in Trenton, probably since the birth of our nation, to sweep this under the rug”
Acting comptroller takes over elections
Caldwell was also secretary of state overseeing elections. Shirley Emehelu, the acting comptroller and former Justice Department official, will assume that role.
“Shirley is a veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office”
New lieutenant governor due within 45 days
New Jersey law requires the lieutenant governor position to be filled within 45 days. Sherrill said she will make a permanent appointment but won't name an acting lieutenant governor in the meantime.
Assembly speaker backs Sherrill's action
State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, a Democrat, praised Sherrill for holding public officials to high standards and said Caldwell was right to resign.
“Following an independent investigation, Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell was right to resign”
The essence
A state investigation found credible evidence that Caldwell violated ethics rules through sexual harassment, misuse of event tickets, and seeking a promotion for a romantic partner.
