In a shocking turn of events, Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and child endangerment following an incident on March 17, 2025, that raised serious concerns about her judgment and the safety of her family. The 45-year-old Democratic mayor was reportedly seen driving erratically, nearly colliding with a utility pole while transporting her two-year-old son in the car. This arrest comes only days after LaPlaca resigned from her position as business administrator for Neptune Township, where she served since January 2022.
Witnesses captured video footage of LaPlaca's vehicle as it swerved around the roads, failing to maintain a lane before the police were alerted. Upon locating the blue 2019 BMW at her residence around 6:00 p.m., police found an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle and noted that LaPlaca admitted to having been drinking prior to the incident.
According to a criminal complaint filed in a Burlington County court, officers were informed that the child was safely secured in a car seat in the back. LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, expressed deep concern for his wife, stating that she has struggled with addiction and is actively seeking help. “Gina is someone who has struggled and is now getting the help that she needs,” Carty stated, urging the community to maintain compassion towards his family amid the situation. “I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery,” he added.
The LaPlaca family’s ordeal has not gone unnoticed by Lumberton residents. Community members have shared mixed feelings regarding the mayor's actions. Marquel Scott, a local resident, remarked, “You don’t really know what anyone is going through behind closed doors,” while expressing disappointment over the lack of accountability that often comes with political figures. “Anybody else, they’d probably be in jail. So I feel like that should be the consequence.” Many people echoed sentiments indicating that the subsequent legal proceedings should indeed reflect the gravity of the allegations against LaPlaca.
LaPlaca was first elected to the Lumberton Township Committee in 2020 and has since been re-elected, demonstrating a previously strong support base within the community. As mayor, she played a significant role in local governance and was recognized for her leadership. However, her recent resignation as Neptune Township's business administrator just a week before the DUI charges adds complexity to her narrative. Carty mentioned her departure was due to a changing political climate, but further scrutiny surrounding the circumstances of her resignation is likely to follow.
Police indicated that the charges against LaPlaca include DUI, reckless driving, endangering a child, and careless driving. She is scheduled to appear in court on April 28, 2025, where she will face the legal repercussions of her actions that have raised not only local but also statewide attention. LaPlaca’s case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences facing public figures who face personal struggles and the impact it can have on their professional lives.
While many in the community are coming to terms with the situation, others are keen to keep LaPlaca's situation in perspective. Carty emphasized that while they continue to navigate through these challenging times, the focus should be on recovery and support. “Gina is a loving and caring mother and stepmother,” he noted, referring to their blended family. “I simply ask that you respect our privacy. Just be better humans and show some compassion.”
As the court date approaches, the conversations surrounding LaPlaca’s choices and their implications for her future, both personally and professionally, continue to evolve. The community watches closely, awaiting the outcome of this troubling episode in their mayor’s life.
The events of March 17 may very well be pivotal, not just for LaPlaca but for the broader discourse around accountability for public officials. Will this incident lead to a change in how local leaders are held accountable, or will it be merely a fleeting moment in the ongoing struggle for transparency within political spheres? The answer is still unclear, but as LaPlaca confronts these serious charges, the weight of her responsibilities as both a mother and a mayor hang heavy over her, creating a complex narrative that reflects the struggles many face in both their public and private lives.
As the story develops, further details regarding LaPlaca’s court proceedings, treatment journey, and community response will be crucial in understanding the full scope of this incident.
For now, all eyes remain on Lumberton as it grapples with the intersection of leadership, accountability, and the very human experiences that underpin them.
