Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Tuesday that any credible reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct must be fully examined and that she would take appropriate action if the evidence warrants.

The statement comes after a New Jersey Globe report that Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is under investigation over allegations of inappropriate behavior involving women and potential ethics violations.

"I take my responsibility to treat any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously, and any credible report must be fully examined and addressed," Sherrill said. "If the evidence warrants, I will take appropriate action quickly."

Sherrill did not mention Caldwell by name or specifically reference the investigation in her statement.

A source previously confirmed to News 12 that former New Jersey Attorney General Chris Porrino and his law firm, Lowenstein Sandler, were retained by the state and have spent several weeks investigating the allegations.

The New Jersey Republican Party called for Caldwell's resignation Monday.

Sherrill said she demands everyone in her administration "hold themselves to the highest standards and put their obligations to public service first."

She also emphasized protections for people who make complaints and those who are the subjects of them.

"Anyone must know that they can come forward with a complaint and they will be safe from retaliation," Sherrill 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."