The attorney general of New Jersey, Zulima V. Farber, resigned on Tuesday night after a state investigation found that she had violated her own department's code of ethics by going to the aid of her companion during a routine traffic stop.

...

On May 26, Ms. Farber received a call from her companion, Hamlet E. Goore, saying that he had been stopped at a seat-belt enforcement checkpoint in Fairview, in Bergen County, and the police determined that he had a suspended license and an expired registration.

Ms. Farber was taken to Fairview in her state car, driven by a trooper. But she has said she did not intercede in any way and did not speak to any police officers. She did acknowledge, however, that Mr. Goore had told the police that his companion was coming to help remove some items from his van -- and that his companion was the attorney general.

The investigation, led by a former state appeals court judge from Atlantic County, Richard J. Williams, found that although Ms. Farber broke no laws at the scene, her appearance there raised "serious ethical questions." Judge Williams's report cited three specific violations of the Department of Law and Public Safety's code of ethics that prohibit officers and employees from accepting favors because of their position or appearing to influence others.

The office Mission Statement:

The department performs such critical tasks as overseeing the criminal justice system, defending the state against lawsuits and protecting the rights and safety of the public. The department also regulates the casino, boxing, alcoholic beverage and racing industries. As head of the department, the Attorney General serves as the state's chief law enforcement officer and legal advisor, and is responsible for the management and administration of the department.