Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is speaking publicly following his resignation, saying he stepped down because he did not want the controversy surrounding an investigation into his conduct to become a distraction for Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration.

Caldwell disputed the investigation and its conclusions, calling the report “poorly done.” He said his decision to resign was intended to allow the administration to move forward without the ongoing controversy.

Caldwell resigned Friday after Sherrill called for his resignation following the release of an independent investigation that found repeated violations of state policy. Sherrill later confirmed that she had accepted his resignation.

Caldwell and his attorney have challenged the investigation and maintain that its conclusions were not supported by the evidence.