Fantasia blasts Sherrill’s handling of Caldwell investigation

Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Franklin Borough) accused Gov. Mikie Sherrill of mishandling an investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, saying the governor should acknowledge the inquiry and provide more information about its scope and timeline.

The Sussex County lawmaker said the publicly released letter effectively confirms that an investigation exists.

“It’s beyond parody now that even the lieutenant governor himself wrote a letter that was publicly released, so now we have confirmation from the individual himself that there is an investigation,” Fantasia said.

She called Sherrill’s refusal to discuss the matter “foolish,” describing it as “a prime case of self-preservation for whatever reason” and “a serious misfire.”

Fantasia said Sherrill could address public concerns by confirming that an investigation is underway and explaining what her administration has ordered.

“She could certainly confirm, yes, there is an investigation, which we already know,” Fantasia said. “Based upon the letter, she could talk about who it involves because we already know that.”

“She could also talk about what she has ordered from her office, what a projected timeline might be,” she added.

Sherrill declined Wednesday to confirm or deny whether Caldwell is under investigation.  She said, however, that complaints involving members of her administration are taken seriously and that the rights of those accused must be protected.

The governor’s comments came after the New Jersey Globe reported that Caldwell is the subject of an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, including purported offers of state employment.  Former Attorney General Christopher Porrino is leading the inquiry.

BINJE reported that Caldwell denied the allegations in a May 28 letter to the state’s chief ethics officer.  He wrote that he had never asked anyone out, “hit on” anyone, or pursued anyone romantically while conducting official business as lieutenant governor and secretary of state.

Sherrill said Wednesday that she expects any complaints to receive a “fair, full and thorough review” and that her administration would be transparent about complaints it receives.  She declined to discuss the Caldwell matter specifically.

“For a governor who prides herself on transparency, she’s about as transparent as the Passaic River right now,” Fantasia said.