Democrat Mayor Arrested For DUI, Child Endangerment Incident

Person in gray sweater wearing handcuffs behind back

Democratic Mayor Gina LaPlaca faces multiple charges including DUI and child endangerment after allegedly driving drunk with her toddler in the car on St. Patrick’s Day, while defiantly refusing calls to resign despite mounting public pressure.

Key Takeaways

Lumberton, NJ Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested after allegedly driving drunk with her 2-year-old son in the car on St. Patrick’s Day, with witnesses recording her erratic driving.
Police found an open container of alcohol in her 2019 BMW, and she admitted to drinking before picking up her child from daycare.
LaPlaca faces multiple charges including DUI, reckless driving, child neglect and endangerment, and driving with an expired license.
Despite overwhelming calls for her resignation from residents, LaPlaca has refused to step down, stating she is seeking treatment for addiction.
This is not LaPlaca’s first legal trouble; she was previously arrested in 2023 for allegedly assaulting her husband, who has publicly supported her through both incidents.

St. Patrick’s Day Incident Leads to Serious Charges

Lumberton, New Jersey Mayor Gina LaPlaca is facing severe legal consequences following her arrest on St. Patrick’s Day for allegedly driving under the influence with her 2-year-old son in the car. The Democratic mayor was charged with DUI, reckless driving, child neglect and endangerment, and driving with an expired license after the alarming incident. Police reportedly discovered an open container of alcohol in her 2019 BMW after a concerned citizen recorded LaPlaca driving erratically and nearly colliding with a utility pole.

The incident occurred after LaPlaca admitted to consuming alcohol before picking up her young son from daycare, according to official reports. The scene was concerning enough that a witness felt compelled to document the mayor’s dangerous driving and report it to authorities. LaPlaca is scheduled to appear in court on April 28 to face these charges, which could have significant implications for both her personal life and political career in the township located roughly 25 miles east of Philadelphia.

Mayor Refuses to Resign Despite Public Outcry

Despite facing serious criminal charges and growing calls from residents to step down, Mayor LaPlaca has categorically refused to resign from her position. In an email to constituents that has further inflamed the controversy, LaPlaca declared, “I will not be resigning my position. Our community needs to be more kind and understanding about people trying to better themselves. As we all know, there is a huge black eye and black cloud over our town right now.”

“Despite my issues, which I’m working diligently and responsibly to address and improve myself, my work for Lumberton has NEVER suffered or been neglected, nor will it be,” Mayor LaPlaca stated in her communication to residents, doubling down on her decision to remain in office despite the serious charges against her.

A packed township meeting following the incident revealed substantial community concern and anger. The township solicitor explained to frustrated residents that the committee lacks authority to force LaPlaca’s resignation. According to local regulations, only a recall election or her voluntary departure could remove her from office. This procedural limitation has intensified public frustration as many feel the current situation leaves the township’s leadership in a compromised position.

Addiction Struggle and Previous Legal Issues

The DUI incident is not Mayor LaPlaca’s first brush with the law. Public records reveal she was previously arrested in 2023 for allegedly assaulting her husband, Jason Carty. That case apparently did not lead to conviction after Carty took responsibility for the situation. LaPlaca was elected to the township committee in 2020 and became mayor in 2023, having recently resigned as Neptune Township business administrator due to political changes following President Trump’s election.

“Millions of Americans struggle with addiction and never get help. Gina LaPlaca is someone who has struggled, and is now getting the help she needs. I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery. Please ignore the exaggerated political hyperbole and keep in mind her passion for helping others. This should not erase all the things she has accomplished for our community,” the mayor’s husband Jason Carty wrote.

LaPlaca has acknowledged her struggle with addiction in public statements following the arrest. “The unfortunate fact is that I have a disease, one which millions of people share and that I would not wish on my worst enemy. My husband is taking me today to get the help I need and which I have been reluctant to get because I am not one to admit ‘weakness’ or ask for help,” she stated. Her husband continues to publicly support her, repeatedly telling media outlets that “she’s getting the help she needs” while emphasizing her previous contributions to the community.