Ashtyn Asay New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell is reportedly the subject of an ongoing investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, less than a year into his first term. The investigation was first publicly reported by the New Jersey Globe on September 4th, which reported that Governor Mikie Sherrill’s administration had brought in former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino to conduct the inquiry. The investigation reportedly began months before it became public, with the outside law firm receiving the case in June, according to News 12. Lt. Gov. Caldwell has denied the allegations and has cooperated with the investigation. He has continued serving as lieutenant governor and secretary of state during the inquiry, including serving as acting governor while Gov. Sherrill was out of state. Here’s what we know so far.
How the Investigation Became Public
The investigation first became public on September 4th, when the New Jersey Globe reported that Lt. Gov. Caldwell, who also serves as New Jersey’s secretary of state, was being investigated by Gov. Sherrill’s administration over allegations of inappropriate behavior involving women and possible ethics violations, including an alleged offer of state jobs. According to the report, Christopher, a former New Jersey attorney general who is now an attorney at Lowenstein Sandler, was brought in to lead the investigation along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shontae Gray. The New York Times also independently reported on the investigation that same day, citing two Democrats familiar with the inquiry.
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At the time, Gov. Sherrill’s office did not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation. In a statement released by the governor’s office on September 8th that did not mention Lt. Gov. Caldwell by name, Gov. Sherrill said she takes reports of inappropriate behavior and misconduct seriously and expects members of her administration to meet high ethical standards.
“Public service is an honor. And I have spent a lifetime of service in the Navy, as a prosecutor, in Congress, and now as Governor,” Gov. Sherrill said. “I know that jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions. Because of this respect, I demand that everyone in my administration hold themselves to the highest standards and put their obligations to public service first.”
About the Allegations
The New Jersey Globe initially reported that investigators were examining alleged inappropriate behavior toward women as well as potential ethics violations, including whether Lt. Gov. Caldwell improperly offered state jobs. Additional details emerged on September 9th, when the New York Times reported that the investigation began with an anonymous letter sent in May to state officials and members of the media. The writer identified themselves as a “concerned NJ resident” and alleged that Lt. Gov. Caldwell had brought “uninvited female guests” to three events. The letter also alleged that Lt. Gov. Caldwell had given business cards to women he was interested in dating and questioned whether taxpayer-funded travel or official events were being used for personal purposes.
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Lt. Gov. Caldwell has strongly disputed the claims. In a May 28th letter to Christina Fullam, New Jersey’s chief ethics officer, Lt. Gov. Caldwell wrote that he believed the truth would “prevail over rumor, innuendo, and false accusations.” The letter was later obtained and made public by Business Insider New Jersey.
“I have never asked anyone out on a date, ‘hit on,’ or pursued anyone romantically while conducting official business as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State,” he wrote. “Throughout my career in government, higher education, nonprofit leadership, ministry and public service, I have consistently conducted myself professionally and respectfully.”
Where Does the Investigation Stand?
At this time, there has been no public finding that Lt. Gov. Caldwell committed misconduct or violated state ethics rules. The investigation is intended to determine whether the allegations are substantiated, and Gov. Sherrill has said that any action will depend on the evidence.
“I take my responsibility to treat any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously, and any credible report must be fully examined and addressed,” Gov. Sherrill said in her September 8th statement. “If the evidence warrants, I will take appropriate action quickly.” She also said that people who make complaints should be protected from retaliation and that subjects of complaints should receive a fair and thorough review.
The full findings of the investigation have not yet been released.
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