New Jersey Mayor Arrested for DUI After Picking Up Toddler from Daycare

LUMBERTON, N.J. — Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested for driving under the influence on March 17, 2025, after allegedly transporting her 2-year-old son from daycare while impaired. The incident, which took place on St. Patrick’s Day, has raised significant concerns regarding her actions as a public official.

Witnesses reported seeing LaPlaca’s vehicle swerving erratically and nearly colliding with a utility pole, prompting another driver to document the behavior on video. Police became involved after receiving the footage, which depicted LaPlaca driving carelessly with her son safely strapped in a car seat in the back.

LaPlaca, 45, was located by authorities at her home later that evening. Upon questioning, she admitted to consuming alcohol while driving. She was subjected to a field sobriety test, which resulted in her arrest.

The mayor has been charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to court materials viewed by The Post. In addition to these offenses, she is facing charges for having an open container of alcohol in her vehicle and careless driving.

LaPlaca has been released with a summons to appear in court on April 28, 2025. The events following her arrest have led to a public outcry, with many citizens calling for her resignation.

In response to the allegations, LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, defended her on social media, stating that she has been struggling with addiction and is currently receiving help. He urged the public to focus on her dedication to the community rather than her recent missteps. “Please ignore the exaggerated political hyperbole and keep in mind her passion for helping others,” Carty wrote on Facebook. “This should not erase all the things she has accomplished for our community.”

LaPlaca, who first joined the Lumberton Township Committee in 2020, assumed the role of mayor in 2021 after being re-elected for three consecutive terms. She previously worked for Neptune Township, where she started as an assistant business administrator before being promoted to business administrator in January 2022. She resigned from that position earlier in March, citing the “changing political environment” as her reason.

A graduate of Fordham Law School, LaPlaca has also held various counsel roles, including time in the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office. Her professional history includes a tenure as the Director of State Affairs with Verizon and a Regional Director role at Anheuser-Busch.

As public officials grapple with accountability and ethics in office, this incident involving Mayor LaPlaca serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with leadership. Residents await further developments as she prepares to face legal action.