NJ Lt. Govovernor Suspended From Pastor Duties At Union County Church: Report

PLAINFIELD, NJ — New Jersey's Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell, who resigned from his position after a sexual harassment and ethics investigation, is facing more hot water.

Caldwell, who also served as a pastor at the Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield was reportedly suspended, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

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On Sept. 25, an independent investigation released by Governor Mikie Sherrill revealed Caldwell had sexually harassed women and violated several ethics policies while in office.

Caldwell had resigned less than 24 hours after Sherrill released the findings of the investigation and called for his resignation.

Shortly afterward, Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, the bishop of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey Episcopal Area, suspended Caldwell from his pastoral duties at Covenant United Methodist Church, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The church is currently holding its own investigation.

"Because we hold clergy to a high standard, we take the allegations made in the report seriously," Moore-Koikoi's wrote in a statement to the Inquirer. "Following the publication of the report about the former Lt. Governor, I received a complaint based on the concerns raised in the report. In order to protect the well-being of Rev. Caldwell, the congregation, and all those involved, Rev. Caldwell has been placed on suspension while the complaint is processed."

See video of Caldwell holding a service at Covenant United Methodist Church in May 2025:

Sexual Harassment, Ethics Investigation

Over the course of a four-month investigation, officials substantiated three separate violations by Caldwell. He violated New Jersey's workplace policy through conduct toward a female staffer, violated ethics rules by bringing personal guests to ticketed events without paying admission, and violated ethics rules by advocating for a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship, according to the report.

More: 6 Shocking Revelations From The Dale Caldwell Investigation

The violations ranged from making a comment about "young women" wanting "young sperm" with regard to a woman who rebuffed his advances, to trying to get his girlfriend a promotion.

Caldwell's attorney, Thomas Calcagni, released a statement disputing the investigation's findings, saying "the conclusions go further than the evidence supports."

Despite disputing the investigation's findings, Caldwell will no longer serve as Lieutenant Governor of the Garden State.

Sherrill said she "appreciated" Caldwell's service during their campaign run and in the first few months of her administration, adding that she intends to continue to address long-standing challenges facing New Jersey's Black communities, something Caldwell was deeply committed to.

"His decision will allow us to move forward with important work serving the people of our state," Sherrill said.

Sherrill has appointed Acting Comptroller Shirley U. Emehelu to temporarily replace Caldwell as Secretary of State, a role in charge of elections. She said with the midterms just weeks away, it was a priority of Sherrill's to establish an Acting Secretary of State.