New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell resigned from his position on Friday following an independent investigation that found he engaged in sexual harassment and repeatedly violated state ethics and discrimination rules. Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the resignation on Friday afternoon, after previously giving Caldwell until that day to step down.
The investigation, conducted by a law firm hired by the governor's office, concluded that Caldwell violated state policies prohibiting discrimination in the workplace. The report detailed an instance where Caldwell made an advance toward a staffer's friend; upon being rebuffed, he told the staffer, "You young women are looking for young sperm."
Governor Sherrill stated that Caldwell's ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. While the investigation determined that Caldwell engaged in harassing behavior and serious violations involving staffers and gifts, Caldwell has denied the allegations of misconduct.