New Jersey Mayor Arrested for DUI with Child in Vehicle

LUMBERTON, N.J. (AP) — The mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence and child endangerment after allegedly driving intoxicated with her two-year-old son in the car. Gina LaPlaca, 45, was taken into custody on March 17, 2025, following reports of erratic driving.

According to police reports, officers received a video from a witness that captured LaPlaca’s vehicle swerving across lanes and nearly colliding with a utility pole. Police were dispatched to her home around 6 p.m. on the same day, where they found LaPlaca and her open container of alcohol in the vehicle.

LaPlaca admitted to drinking before driving, claiming she had just picked up her son from daycare, according to court documents. The responding officers administered field sobriety tests, during which LaPlaca allegedly displayed indicators consistent with intoxication. An open container of alcohol was discovered in her vehicle, further substantiating the charges.

LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, publicly addressed the arrest, stating that his wife has struggled with addiction and is currently seeking treatment. “Gina is someone who has struggled and is now getting the help that she needs. I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery,” Carty wrote on social media. He also urged the public to show compassion for their family during this challenging time.

Residents of Lumberton have expressed mixed feelings regarding LaPlaca’s actions. Marquel Scott, a local resident, commented, “You don’t really know what anyone is going through behind closed doors. But anyone else would probably be in jail for this. I feel like that should be the consequence.”

LaPlaca was elected to the Lumberton Township Committee in 2020 and re-elected in 2023. She had recently resigned from her role as business administrator for Neptune Township, citing a “changing political environment.” LaPlaca is scheduled to appear in court on April 28, where she faces several charges, including reckless driving and child neglect.

As of now, Lumberton Police have not returned calls seeking further comment on the incident. The charges are still under legal review, and LaPlaca is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.