🚨 Former Lumberton Mayor Admits To Drunk Driving With Child — Will Not Serve Jail Time
Former Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca has pleaded guilty to child abuse and DUI charges after she was accused of driving drunk with her young child in the car, nearly a year after her initial JerseyTalks report on her arrest on St. Patrick’s Day.
LaPlaca, 46, was sentenced to three years of supervised probation through a first-time offender diversion program instead of jail time, according to Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw.
As part of her sentence, she must:
• Continue attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
• Follow all conditions of the diversion program
• Comply with requirements from the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency
• Keep an ignition interlock device on her vehicle going forward.
LaPlaca told the court she voluntarily installed the interlock device in October 2025 and has completed both outpatient and intensive treatment programs for alcohol use.
The original charges stem from a March 17, 2025 incident when another driver reported her vehicle swerving erratically, at one point nearly hitting a utility pole, with her toddler inside. Police later arrested her at her home after reviewing video evidence.
Investigators found her blood alcohol concentration was .30%, nearly four times the New Jersey legal limit of .08%.
If LaPlaca fails to meet the conditions of the diversion program, prosecutors could reinstate the original criminal charges.
It remains unclear whether she will continue to serve in her role on the Lumberton Township Committee or face additional discipline from local officials.
Â
Comments are powered by a third-party service. Enable Marketing cookies to view and post comments.