New Jersey mayor Gina LaPlaca has been arrested for allegedly driving under the influence while picking up her two-year-old son from daycare. The 45-year-old Lumberton Township leader now faces multiple charges, including DUI, reckless driving, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to a report from The New York Post.
Eyewitness footage captures near-miss accident
An eyewitness captured a video of LaPlaca’s vehicle moving erratically before she nearly crashed into a utility pole on St. Patrick’s Day. The clip, which was later obtained by police, showed her toddler sitting in the car seat. Authorities used the footage to track her vehicle to her home.
Upon arriving at her residence, officers conducted a field sobriety test after LaPlaca reportedly admitted to drinking and driving. Police also discovered an open container of alcohol inside her vehicle, according to the report.
Husband defends LaPlaca amid addiction battle
LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, came to her defense, stating that she has been struggling with addiction and is receiving the necessary support.
“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. 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 in a Facebook post.
Political career
LaPlaca’s arrest follows her resignation as business administrator for Neptune Township on March 10, citing “the changing political environment.”
She was first elected to the Lumberton Township Committee in 2020 and won reelection in 2023. In 2021, she was elected mayor for a one-year term and was subsequently reelected for the following two years. Before serving in Lumberton, LaPlaca worked as an assistant business administrator in Neptune Township, later advancing to the role of business administrator in 2022.
Her background also includes experience in the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office, as well as in the private sector with companies such as Verizon and Anheuser-Busch.
LaPlaca is scheduled to appear in court on April 28 to address the charges against her.