Gov. Mikie Sherrill, in her first public comments on the investigation of her lieutenant Dale Caldwell, promised to take “appropriate action quickly” if evidence warrants.
“I know that jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions,” Sherrill said today in a statement. “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.”
The existence of the investigation was first reported by David Wildstein of The New Jersey Globe on Friday afternoon. The governor’s office responded on Friday with a statement through spokesperson Sean Higgins. Sherrill had no public appearances scheduled over the weekend or today.
Caldwell, who is also secretary of state, has been under investigation for months over allegations of inappropriate behavior with women, BINJE has learned. The investigation, which is being run by former Attorney General Chris Porrino of Lowenstein Sandler, began in late spring following an anonymous tip.
“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,” Sherrill said today in the statement. “If the evidence warrants, I will take appropriate action quickly.”
The New Jersey Globe reported today that the allegations came from a Centenary University employee who wanted to report a hostile work environment while Caldwell was president of the school. The current university president, John Schol, called the reports “deeply troubling.”
Schol, in an email to alumni and friends of Centenary, urged anyone who had experienced or witnessed inappropriate conduct connected to their time at Centenary to contact the university’s chief human resources officer privately.
“While we do not know the identity of the individual referenced in the media report, we affirm that person’s right to be heard and to seek support,” Schol said.
