Gov. Sherrill offers few details as Lt. Gov. Caldwell investigation appears near end
News 12 can confirm that an outside law firm has been looking into this issue for weeks, and first got the case back in June.
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A source tells News 12 New Jersey that the investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is very likely near its conclusion. He's accused of inappropriate behavior with women and potential ethics violations.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill offered little to reporters while answering questions for the first time on the investigation Wednesday. Caldwell has been the subject of reports alleging improper behavior with women.
News 12 can confirm that an outside law firm has been looking into this issue for weeks and first got the case back in June.
Sherrill never mentioned Caldwell by name Wednesday at an unrelated press event in Woodbridge.
"I'm not going to confirm or deny whether there's an ongoing investigation," Sherrill said. "What I can commit to people is that any complaints are taken very seriously, and certainly anyone who has a complaint lodged against them - their rights are protected. They have a full hearing and a full review."
RELATED: NJ Senate Republican leader calls on Sherrill to ask Caldwell to resign immediately
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What's been reported - first by the New Jersey Globe - is that Caldwell is under investigation for alleged inappropriate behavior with women. Exact details are scarce.
This week, reports from the website Business In New Jersey Everyday say the lieutenant governor wrote a letter to the state's Chief Ethics Officer in May denying these allegations. According to that report, Caldwell wrote he never pursued anyone romantically on business, adding he takes the allegations seriously and that he will cooperate fully.
Caldwell repeatedly served as acting governor over the summer while Sherrill was out of state.
"While I'm not going to go into details of any ongoing, possible complaints, I really take it seriously if someone comes forward and has concerns," Sherrill said. "I want to make sure that every single person who works for me does so in an environment where they feel safe and supported."
The NJ GOP has called for Caldwell's resignation. Sherrill was asked if there have been any restrictions placed on the lieutenant governor during this apparent investigation.
"To be accountable to the people, and make sure they understand any moves that we decide to make," Sherrill said. "And certainly, I'll be very open about that, should we make any decisions based on any complaints that may or may not come in, and any fair and thorough review that we may do."
Caldwell has not addressed these allegations. He is also the Secretary of State - the position that oversees elections.
