Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca Arrested for DUI, Faces Calls to Resign

NJ Mayor Gina LaPlaca arrested for DUI after erratic driving. Fails sobriety test, faces multiple charges, and calls for her resignation grow.

 

LUMBERTON TOWNSHIP, NJ — Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca was arrested on March 17 on DUI charges after being caught driving erratically with her young son in the car. Bodycam footage released by police shows the Democrat mayor failing a field sobriety test outside her home and pleading with officers to contact the police chief.

 

Incident Details and Arrest

 

Police tracked LaPlaca to her home after a witness reported her reckless driving and provided authorities with her license plate information. Upon arrival, officers found LaPlaca’s blue BMW damaged, with scratches along the side and a nearly destroyed passenger-side mirror. When questioned, she initially denied drinking but later admitted to consuming alcohol.

 

During the field sobriety test, LaPlaca stumbled multiple times and was ultimately taken into custody. Police footage also revealed an open water bottle containing alcohol inside her vehicle. She was charged with several offenses, including child endangerment, reckless driving, and driving with an expired license.

 

Calls for Resignation

 

Following her arrest, LaPlaca has faced mounting pressure to resign. Critics argue that driving under the influence, especially with a child in the vehicle, is unacceptable for a public official.

 

Her husband, Jason Carty, addressed the situation on social media, revealing that LaPlaca has struggled with addiction and is now seeking treatment. He urged the public to recognize her past contributions to the community rather than focus solely on the incident.

 

Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

 

LaPlaca is set to appear in court on April 28. The case has sparked debate over accountability among public officials and the impact of personal struggles on leadership roles.