A New Jersey mayor is facing charges of DUI and other offenses after allegedly driving with her young child in her car while intoxicated. Gina LaPlaca, the mayor of Lumberton, reportedly almost got into a car accident because she was drunk. Now, she’s dealing with charges related to her alleged drunk driving. She’s also facing additional charges related to having her child in the car. Allegedly, the mayor has had past issues with substance abuse.
According to court documents obtained by WPVI, a witness took video of a driver having trouble staying in their lane on the road. The driver nearly hit a utility pole in the process. Police traced the car in the video to LaPlaca. Around 6 p.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, they showed up at LaPlaca’s home in Lumberton.
Speaking with police, LaPlaca allegedly admitted that she had been drinking. She also told them she had recently picked her 2-year-old son up from day care. The court documents also state that an open container of alcohol was found in her car.
Gina LaPlaca was arrested and charged with child endangerment and child neglect, as well as driving under the influence, driving with an expired license, and related offenses.
Earlier this month, LaPlaca resigned from her position as the Neptune Township business administrator, the Asbury Park Press reported. She had held the role since 2022. While she didn’t give any specific reasons, she told the outlet that her resignation came due to “the changing political environment.”
Not to long before that, the outlet reported that police escorted LaPlaca out of a Mount Holly Fire Commissioners meeting. During the meeting, she got into a heated argument about her husband.
Her husband, Jason Carty, spoke with WPVI, saying that the mayor is now going to get help for her addiction. “Gina is someone who has struggled and is now getting that help that she needs. I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery,” he said.
“Gina’s a loving and caring mother and stepmother. Our oldest is a teenager and can see all the unkind things online,” said Carty. “I simply ask that you respect our privacy. Just be better humans and show some compassion.”
LaPlaca will appear in court at the end of April.
