New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is expected to resign Friday, three Democratic sources said, less than a day after Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged him to step down following an investigation that found he sexually harassed women and violated state ethics rules.
Sherrill was scheduled to announce the resignation at a 2:45 p.m. Statehouse news conference; her office declined comment ahead of it. The 61-page report said Caldwell sought a senior leadership post for a state employee with whom he had an undisclosed romantic relationship and brought guests to seven events without paying their costs. It also said he made a romantic advance toward a staff member’s friend and a sexually suggestive remark; Caldwell denied the remark, and investigators said they did not find his denial credible.
Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, disputed the report and called the inquiry one-sided, arguing that forwarding the employee’s résumé was not the same as using office to secure her a job. He said she did not get the promotion and no longer works for the state, and did not say whether Caldwell would resign. The investigation cost the state nearly $50,000, according to documents NJ.com obtained through a public-records request. Caldwell had to resign voluntarily or face impeachment; Sherrill has 45 days to name a replacement.
