New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday after an investigation found he sexually harassed a staffer, violated state ethics rules and twice recommended his girlfriend for a senior state post without disclosing their relationship.
Former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino led the inquiry, which Sherrill commissioned after an anonymous complaint in May; investigators interviewed at least 17 people. The report said that after Caldwell's romantic advance to a staffer's friend was rejected, he told the staffer ambitious women needed men to advance their careers and made a sexual remark. Caldwell denied making the remark; his lawyer said a nearby state trooper did not hear the exchange and argued the evidence did not support the findings.
One recommendation came after Caldwell knew he was under investigation; his girlfriend did not receive the post and has since left state government. The report also said Caldwell brought nonpaying guests to seven events and continued violating ethics standards despite multiple warnings and six workplace and ethics trainings.
