Gina LaPlaca, the incumbent mayor of Lumberton Township, New Jersey, was apprehended on March 17 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. The 45-year-old Democratic official is alleged to have collected her two-year-old son from daycare while intoxicated, nearly causing a vehicular accident. A video recorded by another driver purportedly depicts LaPlaca’s vehicle swerving erratically and almost colliding with a utility pole. This video was later submitted to the police.
Authorities were able to trace the vehicle back to LaPlaca’s home, where they found her around 6 p.m. on the same day. The toddler was discovered safely secured in a car seat in the back of the vehicle. An open alcohol container was also found in the car. LaPlaca is said to have admitted to drinking while driving and was subjected to a field sobriety test.
Following the incident, LaPlaca was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Court documents reveal that she also faces additional charges of reckless driving and endangering the welfare of a child. She was released with a court summons for April 28.
Jason Carty, LaPlaca’s spouse, defended her, stating that she is currently battling addiction and seeking help. He appealed to critics to avoid attacking the mother of their children and to remember her commitment to public service. LaPlaca and Carty have a toddler son together, and LaPlaca is also a stepmother to a teenager from Carty’s previous relationship.
LaPlaca was initially elected to the Lumberton Township Committee in 2020 and was selected to serve a one-year term as mayor in 2021. She was subsequently re-elected for three more years. Before her political career, LaPlaca spent 11 years in the private sector, holding positions at Verizon and Anheuser-Busch.
Prior to her arrest, LaPlaca resigned from her role as business administrator for Neptune Township, citing a shifting political landscape as her reason for departure. She had held this position since January 2022, after serving as the assistant business administrator since November 2021.