NJ.com

Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. and Secretary of State Dale Caldwell, who resigned Sept. 25 after an independent investigation concluded he committed sexual harassment and violated state ethics rules, is now pushing back on the findings and exploring legal options to challenge them.

Caldwell told NJ.com the report only accuses him of "verbal harassment," not sexual harassment, and denies making a comment attributed to him about "young sperm." He argues the investigation, conducted by law firm Lowenstein Sandler, relied almost entirely on one staffer's testimony while he was interviewed only once. He also disputed claims he sought a promotion for his girlfriend, a state employee. Gov. Mifflin Sherrill's administration, through spokesperson Sean Higgins, stood by the investigation's conclusions, calling the misconduct findings substantiated and part of a pattern.

Caldwell, a Methodist pastor, returned to his pulpit Sunday with a sermon on false accusations without directly referencing the allegations, while continuing to maintain his innocence and reflect publicly on the controversy.

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is facing an internal investigation launched by Gov. Mikie Sherrill's administration over allegations he behaved inappropriately toward women, according to multiple reports. Former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino of Lowenstein Sandler is leading the probe alongside partner Shontae Gray, a former assistant U.S. attorney; the inquiry reportedly began with an anonymous tip in late spring and has included interviews with state employee complainants and witnesses. Investigators are also examining possible ethics violations, including allegations Caldwell offered a state job.

Sherrill's office declined to confirm the inquiry but said any reports of misconduct would be taken seriously. Caldwell, a 66-year-old pastor and former Centenary University president who was sworn in alongside Sherrill in January, is cooperating with the investigation and continuing his public duties, including recently serving as acting governor for three days. New Jersey Republican Party Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon and other GOP officials have called for him to step aside or be placed on unpaid leave, questioning how many complaints were filed and why disclosure was delayed. The episode compounds political pressure on Sherrill, a first-term Democrat viewed as a rising national figure, amid separate scrutiny over noncitizens erroneously added to voter rolls.