LUMBERTON MAYOR GINA LAPLACA ARRESTED FOR DUI AFTER ALLEGEDLY DRIVING TODDLER HOME DRUNK ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY
JerseyTalks StaffA New Jersey mayor accused of driving under the influence allegedly picked up her toddler from daycare on St. Patrick’s Day before nearly crashing on the road—just days after resigning from another government position.
Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested on March 17 after allegedly driving erratically with her 2-year-old son in the car, according to WPVI.
A fellow driver captured footage of LaPlaca’s vehicle swerving dangerously, nearly hitting a utility pole. The video was later shared with police, who traced the car to her home and confronted her around 6 p.m. Monday.
Officers found her toddler strapped into a rear car seat and discovered an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle, according to reports. LaPlaca allegedly admitted to drinking while driving and failed a field sobriety test.
She was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and endangering the welfare of a child. Court records show she was released with a summons to appear in court on April 28.
Political Fallout & Family’s Response
LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, defended her, acknowledging her struggle with addiction and urging the public not to judge her solely on this incident.
“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,” Carty wrote on Facebook.
LaPlaca, a Democrat, shares a toddler son with Carty and has a teenage stepson from his previous relationship.
Career & Resignation
Elected to the Lumberton Township Committee in 2020, LaPlaca became mayor in 2021 and had been re-elected annually.
She also worked for Neptune Township near the Jersey Shore, first as an assistant business administrator in 2021 before being promoted to business administrator in 2022. She resigned from that position on March 10, citing a “changing political environment.”
A Fordham Law School graduate, LaPlaca previously worked in the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office and held corporate roles with Verizon and Anheuser-Busch. She also serves as chairwoman of the Lumberton Democrats.
Her court appearance is scheduled for April 28.