New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill gave Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell until Friday to resign after an independent probe found three violations: sexual harassment, seeking a promotion for an employee he was dating and bringing guests to ticketed events without payment.
The report said Caldwell made a romantic advance to a female staffer’s friend. After the advance was rejected, he told the staffer, “you young women are looking for young sperm.” Investigators concluded the remark was sexual harassment and derogatory or demeaning based on sex. Caldwell denied making it; investigators said they did not find his denial credible.
Investigators said Caldwell repeatedly sought a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship, without initially disclosing it. The employee was not promoted and no longer works for the state. They also found that Caldwell brought personal guests to seven ticketed events without required payment or reimbursement; tickets cost $65 to $300. Sherrill said the violations fell short of her administration’s standards despite warnings and training.
