Anonymous letter sparked investigation into New Jersey Lt. Gov. Caldwell

A misconduct investigation into New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale G. Caldwell was initiated after an anonymous letter sent in May to state officials and media representatives accused him of bringing “uninvited female guests” to events and distributing business cards to women he hoped to date, according to documents obtained by BINJE, The New York Times and Politico.

The anonymous complaint, dated May 6 and signed by a person identifying themselves as a “concerned NJ resident,” has engulfed state politics and embroiled Gov. Rebecca “Mikie” Sherrill in a public relations disaster less than a year into her term.

Someone in Sherrill’s administration tipped off a political gossip blogger about the probe, and it reported that “Caldwell is the subject of an internal investigation by Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s office for alleged inappropriate behavior with women and possible ethics violations that include the purported offer of state jobs.”

Sherrill may struggle to mend the rift with Caldwell, who has brought in former Attorney General Peter Harvey, seemingly preparing for a legal and political showdown over allegations that appear to be exaggerated given the limited information at hand.

In today’s media landscape, where a firestorm can drive engagement, controversy isn’t necessarily disastrous—but in a moment of panic, Sherrill lost control of the narrative.

“I have never asked anyone out on a date, ‘hit on,’ or pursued anyone romantically while conducting official business as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State,” Caldwell wrote. “Throughout my career in government, higher education, nonprofit leadership, ministry and public service, I have consistently conducted myself professionally and respectfully.”

The women involved turned out to be Caldwell’s daughter Ashley, a New Brunswick school board member who held the Bible during her father’s swearing-in as the state’s lieutenant governor, and with an old family friend.

Robin Tyson, an artificial intelligence business consultant who has known Caldwell for decades, confirmed she accompanied the lieutenant governor to the Whitesboro Black History Gala and the Essex County Democratic Committee Women of Excellence lunch, both held April 18. Tyson said she was visiting the area and agreed to attend as his guest.

Tyson said she was interviewed months ago by attorneys from the law firm led by Christopher Porrino, a former state attorney general, who pressed her on whether Caldwell had ever offered her employment opportunities.

“They asked: ‘Do I have a relationship with him? Has he ever offered me a job or opportunities?'” said Tyson, who lives in North Carolina. “I have not made one penny.”

Tyson said she and Caldwell do not have a romantic relationship.

Caldwell Denies Allegations

Caldwell, 66, has strenuously disputed the claims, calling them “inaccurate, misleading and completely false.” In a May 28 letter to the state’s chief ethics officer, he suggested race and gender were factors in the complaint.

“As the first single Black man to serve at this level in government, I suspect that there will be other false accusations or rumors in the future,” Caldwell wrote.

One of the women who joined Caldwell at an event was his daughter, according to his response to the complaint.

Investigation Underway

Sherrill hired Porrino, who served under former Republican Gov. Chris Christie, to lead the inquiry. A report on the findings is expected to reach the governor’s desk in the coming days.

Her office has released no information about the investigation or its scope.

A Democrat familiar with the scope of the inquiry said a female state employee also complained that Caldwell made inappropriate comments but did not allege improper physical contact.

Political Fallout

The investigation has consumed State House power players since it was first revealed by a political gossip blog run by the former Republican dirty trickster who shut down the George Washington Bridge in 2013.

In the wake of those revelations, Republican leaders have called for Caldwell’s resignation and criticized Sherrill for leaving the state while Caldwell remained in a position to serve as acting governor.

“The governor cannot claim these allegations are serious enough to investigate and then hand the powers of her office to the person being investigated,” said Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, R-Ocean, joining other Republican lawmakers who are demanding a virtual lynching now but remained silent when serious allegations were leveled against President Donald Trump.

State Sen. Britnee Timberlake, D-East Orange, defended Sherrill’s handling of the matter and raised concerns about the historical treatment of Black men accused of wrongdoing.

“Our country has seen far too many situations where men of color are accused, condemned in the court of public opinion, and even prosecuted for crimes they did not commit,” Timberlake said.

Sherrill did not address the inquiry until Tuesday, when she released a statement that did not mention Caldwell by name.

“Anyone must know that they can come forward with a complaint and they will be safe from retaliation,” she said. “The subject of a complaint must also know and be confident that their rights will be protected as well and they will receive a fair and thorough review.”

“If the evidence warrants,” she added, “I will take appropriate action quickly.”

Caldwell, who serves as both lieutenant governor and secretary of state, was elected alongside Sherrill in 2025. He previously served as president of Centenary University and has held various positions in state government and education.

No findings have been publicly released, and Caldwell has not been charged with any crime.