New Jersey's former Lieutenant Governor, Dale Caldwell, has resigned from his position following an investigation that substantiated claims of sexual harassment and ethics violations. Caldwell, however, is publicly disputing the findings, stating that he used multiple artificial intelligence platforms to analyze the investigation report and that none of the AI assessments indicated sexual harassment.
Caldwell resigned on September 25th after Governor Mikie Sherrill called for his departure following the release of a 61-page report by a law firm hired by the state. The investigation, initiated by an anonymous complaint in May, detailed allegations including an inappropriate advance toward a staffer's friend, followed by a sexually charged remark. The report also cited ethics violations such as attempting to secure a promotion for an employee he was dating and using state resources for personal guests. Caldwell has maintained his innocence regarding the harassment claims, asserting that the AI analyses provide evidence of his vindication.
In an interview with NJ PBS News, Caldwell stated he submitted the investigation report to "multiple AI platforms" and that "none of them came up with with sexual harassment." He further elaborated that these AI analyses found no instances supporting the allegations of sexual harassment. Caldwell suggested that artificial intelligence could be used to "stop legal abuse" and encouraged others to use AI to review such reports. He acknowledged that the AI did not absolve him of all wrongdoing, admitting to bringing a friend to an event for which he later reimbursed the state $170. However, he contended that he was unaware of other alleged violations until he saw the report and that he was not given an opportunity to respond to the findings before they were released.
Governor Sherrill's office, in response to Caldwell's claims, reiterated the findings of the independent investigation. A spokesperson for the governor stated that the report, conducted by a former Attorney General, substantiated "serious violations of state ethics rules and found that his conduct constituted sexual harassment." The governor's office emphasized Sherrill's commitment to fostering a new culture in Trenton and asserted that public service is a privilege. Caldwell, a former university president and Methodist pastor, was elected as Sherrill's running mate in the previous year and assumed office in January. His resignation marked the end of his less than a year-long tenure as the first lieutenant governor in New Jersey's history.
Caldwell has indicated that he and his attorney are exploring legal options to challenge the report and clear his name. He suggested that politics played a role in the push for his resignation, stating, "For some reason, people wanted me out." He also noted that the investigation took 133 days, during which he felt he was not afforded the courtesy of responding to the findings. Despite his defense, Caldwell has also been suspended from his church duties pending a separate investigation by his denomination.