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New leader named for Guard in N.J.

Air National Guard head will fill in. The former chief quit over improper behavior.

TRENTON - Gov. Christie has chosen the head of the state's Air National Guard to lead New Jersey's National Guard until a permanent replacement is chosen for its commander, who resigned after he was caught in an inappropriate relationship with a female aide.

On Friday, Brig. Gen. Michael Cunniff, who since 2003 has been in charge of the Air National Guard, took command of the entire Guard.

The day before, Maj. Glenn Rieth offered a final salute to the state's 9,000 soldiers and retired. Rieth and the woman were caught in his office touching each other inappropriately on Oct. 4 by another employee. That resulted in a report to the Army inspector general, according to government officials.

A military official with direct knowledge of the situation said this week that Rieth did not resign until after he was told there was also surveillance video of him and the woman.

The two-star general waited until early November before telling the governor's office about the encounter, according to another government official familiar with the situation.

The officials agreed to speak only on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to make those details public. Both officials said the relationship between Rieth and the woman was consensual. Both are married to others.

Rieth would not comment on the circumstances surrounding his departure, saying "there would be no value in it."

Spokesmen for the military did not respond to multiple calls and e-mails seeking comment.