From PhillyVoice · · 1m 20s
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Resigns Over Sexual Harassment Findings
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after investigation found multiple sexual harassment incidents.
In brief
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after investigation found multiple sexual harassment incidents. New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned following an investigation that found he made inappropriate advances and brought uninvited guests to events. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Resignation Announcement
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after a monthslong investigation into sexual harassment allegations.
“New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell submitted his resignation Friday afternoon, one day after after a monthslong investigation into accusations of workplace misconduct and sexual harassment was made public.”
Investigation Findings
The report found Caldwell made inappropriate comments and brought uninvited guests to paid events.
“A 61-page investigative report concluded Caldwell made inappropriate comments toward a female staffer's friend after she rejected his advances, brought uninvited guests to paid events and sought a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship.”
Gov. Sherrill's Response
Gov. Mikie Sherrill called for Caldwell to resign immediately.
“In a statement Thursday night, Sherrill called on her fellow Democrat to resign by Friday, saying it is 'necessary' and 'in the best interest of New Jersey residents.'”
Caldwell's Defense
Caldwell called the report 'false' and said he resigned to avoid being a distraction.
“In an interview with the New York Times, Caldwell called the sweeping report 'false' and insisted he resigned in order to not be a 'distraction to the administration.'”
Specific Incident Details
Caldwell asked a staffer's friend if she was single during a car ride in April.
“Upon being rebuffed, (Caldwell) remarked that Staffer-1, her friend and women like them were ambitious and successful and needed a man who was in a position to help them, 'but you young women are looking for young sperm.'”
Promotion Attempt
Caldwell tried to secure a promotion for his girlfriend without disclosing their relationship.
“In May, Caldwell also made multiple attempts to secure a promotion for his girlfriend, a former state employee who was interested in a 'senior leadership position,' without disclosing the nature of their relationship.”
Ticketed Events
Caldwell attended seven events with uninvited guests.
“The report also identified seven ticketed events between Feb. 19 and May 23 in which Caldwell appeared with one or more guests who were admitted without payment or prior authorization.”
Ethics Investigation
Ethics officer launched investigation after Caldwell denied wrongdoing.
“Chief Ethics Officer Rachel Hammond notified Caldwell that her office had commenced an investigation into his conduct on May 22.”
Legal Challenge
Caldwell's lawyer disputed the investigation's findings.
“Caldwell's lawyer, Thomas Calcagni, denied the claims and doubted the accuracy of the investigation in a statement to the Inquirer.”
Senator Support
Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim called for resignation.
“Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim, both Democrats, also called for Caldwell to resign in statements posted to social media Thursday night.”
Gov. Sherrill's Acceptance
Sherrill accepted resignation and committed to swift selection.
“During a news conference Friday afternoon, Sherrill confirmed that she had accepted Caldwell's resignation and committed to 'swiftly and thoughtfully' choosing a new lieutenant governor.”
What to remember
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned following an investigation that found he made inappropriate advances and brought uninvited guests to events.
