Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca faces DUI and child endangerment charges after allegedly driving drunk with her toddler.
Police arrested LaPlaca, 45, on Monday evening following reports of erratic driving near a daycare center.
A bystander recorded her swerving between lanes and nearly hitting a utility pole, then alerted authorities.
Officers reviewed the footage and located LaPlaca, initiating a sobriety test at the scene.
According to police, she admitted drinking alcohol before picking up her two-year-old son.
Child Endangerment Charges
Authorities discovered LaPlaca’s toddler secured in the back seat during the traffic stop.
An open alcohol container was also found inside her blue 2019 BMW, police confirmed.
The mayor was charged with DUI, child neglect, and driving with an expired license.
Additional offenses include reckless driving and failure to maintain lane control.
Lumberton Township police filed an official complaint detailing the incident.
Political Background
LaPlaca was re-elected in 2023 and began her second term as mayor in January 2025.
She previously worked on initiatives addressing homelessness in the Lumberton area.
Her leadership is now under scrutiny following the recent legal troubles.
She also held a role as Neptune Township business administrator before resigning in March.
LaPlaca cited “a changing political environment” as her reason for stepping down.
Husband’s Statement
Her husband, Jason Carty, addressed the incident in a Facebook post.
Carty, a firefighter and political activist, acknowledged his wife’s struggles with addiction.
He stated LaPlaca is now seeking treatment for her issues.
“Millions struggle with addiction but never seek help,” he wrote on social media.
He urged the public to support her recovery and recognize her past community contributions.
Past Controversies
LaPlaca was involved in a separate incident earlier this month.
On March 5, she was removed from a Mount Holly Fire Commissioners meeting.
A video captured her arguing with critics of her husband’s firefighter appointment.
In the footage, she was escorted out by police after a heated exchange.
She was heard shouting, “You have no idea what I’ve been through!”
Previous Arrests
In 2023, while serving as deputy mayor, LaPlaca was arrested for domestic violence.
Her husband, Jason Carty, was also arrested following the altercation.
Carty later accepted responsibility, leading to charges against LaPlaca being dropped.
The incident raised concerns about her personal and political life.
Despite past controversies, she continued to serve in public office.
Official Response
Lumberton Deputy Mayor Lori Faye commented on the situation.
“Our priority is doing what’s best for Lumberton,” she stated.
Faye expressed support for LaPlaca’s decision to seek treatment.
She wished her well on the journey toward recovery.
The committee also asked the public to respect LaPlaca’s privacy.
Legal Proceedings
LaPlaca is scheduled to appear in court on April 28.
The case has drawn significant media attention in New Jersey.
Officials declined to provide additional details on the ongoing investigation.
Lumberton Township and police have not made further statements.
The Independent reached out to LaPlaca for comment, but no response was received.
Public Reactions
The arrest has sparked debate over accountability in public office.
Some residents express concern over leadership ethics in Lumberton.
Others sympathize with LaPlaca’s struggles and support her rehabilitation.
Political analysts question how this will impact her mayoral role.
The court ruling could determine her future in office.
