Caldwell says church probe stems from earlier allegations, involves nothing new

Former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell said Friday that a United Methodist Church investigation into a complaint against him involves no new allegations and is a standard church procedure triggered by the investigation that preceded his resignation from office.

“The United Methodist Investigation is simply standard procedure if a pastor has been investigated. It’s nothing new,” Caldwell said.  “There are no new allegations,” he said.

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi disclosed Thursday that the United Methodist Church had received a complaint concerning Caldwell, who serves as pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield.

“I write to inform you that I have received a complaint concerning Rev. Dale Caldwell, Lt. Governor of New Jersey and licensed local pastor,” Moore-Koikoi said in a letter to members of the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. “The complaint is being processed according to the policies and procedures of The United Methodist Church.”

The bishop did not disclose the nature of the complaint, who filed it, or when it was received. She also did not say whether it was related to the allegations that led to Caldwell’s resignation as lieutenant governor.

Caldwell said he believes the church complaint stems from those allegations and does not represent a new accusation against him.

The church’s letter also did not say whether Caldwell would remain pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church while the complaint is reviewed.

Caldwell resigned as lieutenant governor on September 25 after Gov. Mikie Sherrill called for him to step down following the release of a 61-page report prepared by former Attorney General Christopher Porrino and attorneys at Lowenstein Sandler.

That investigation found that Caldwell sexually harassed a female staffer and violated state ethics rules by bringing personal guests to ticketed events without paying for their admission and by advocating for a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship without disclosing the relationship.

Caldwell has disputed those findings.

In a response obtained by the New Jersey Globe this week, Caldwell said the report contained no credible evidence of sexual harassment or intentional ethical violations. He also denied making the most serious sexual comment attributed to him and said investigators gave undue weight to one staffer’s account.

The church complaint is being handled through a separate process concerning Caldwell’s role as a minister. Moore-Koikoi urged conference members not to prejudge the matter.