REPORT: Police Charge New Jersey Mayor Gina LaPlaca With DUI In Alleged Incident Involving Young Son

Police reportedly charged Gina LaPlaca, the mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, with DUI, reckless driving, and child endangerment.

Charging documents said a witness recorded video Monday of a driver unable to remain in their lane and nearly hitting a utility pole, according to ABC Action News, a local outlet. Police located the vehicle at LaPlaca’s Lumberton home at approximately 6:00 pm, when she allegedly admitted she had been drinking and recently picked up her two-year-old from daycare. Court documents said an open container of alcohol was found in the car, according to ABC.

LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, told the news outlet that she is seeking treatment for addiction.

“Gina is someone who has struggled and is now getting that help that she needs,” Carty wrote on Facebook.

“I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery.”

Carty spoke about how the incident affected his entire family.

“Gina’s a loving and caring mother and stepmother,” he said. “Our oldest is a teenager and can see all the unkind things online. I simply ask that you respect our privacy. Just be better humans and show some compassion.”

LaPlaca was elected to township committee in 2020 and reelected in 2023.

Carty told the news outlet she recently left her position as business administrator for Neptune Township for political reasons.

Local residents expressed concern over how the matter was handled.

“You don’t really know what anyone is going through behind closed doors,” Marquel Scott of Mount Holly told ABC. “Anybody else they’d probably be in jail. So I feel like that should be the consequence.” (RELATED: REPORT: Country Star Sam Hunt Arrested After Allegedly Violating Court-Ordered Interlock Device In Vehicle)

LaPlaca is scheduled to appear in court April 28.