New Jersey Lt Gov Dale Caldwell resigns after sexual harassment investigation

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Democrat New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday after an independent investigation substantiated sexual harassment and ethics violations against him, Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced.

"He submitted his resignation to me this afternoon, which I accepted," Sherrill said during a news conference in Trenton.

Sherrill had given Caldwell until Friday to resign after the investigation found he "failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office" and demonstrated a pattern of behavior that did not meet her administration’s standards.

NEW JERSEY GOV MIKIE SHERRILL CALLS ON LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR TO RESIGN AFTER SEXUAL HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION

The report found Caldwell told a female staffer that "you young women are looking for young sperm" after she told him her younger friend was not interested in a romantic relationship with him. Investigators concluded the remark constituted sexual harassment and found Caldwell’s denial that he made it was not credible.

Caldwell previously denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations false and misleading and saying he believed the facts would exonerate him.

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This is a developing story; check back later for updates.

Jasmine Baehr is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, legal debates surrounding life and family policy, as well as faith and culture.