NJ Mayor Arrested After Daycare Pickup With Toddler

ByEthan Pineridge

Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca faces multiple charges including driving under the influence and child endangerment after allegedly driving drunk with her 2-year-old son in the car on St. Patrick’s Day. The 45-year-old Democrat was arrested after witnesses captured video of her vehicle swerving erratically on the road, nearly striking a utility pole while returning home from her child’s daycare.

According to court documents reported by WPVI, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Monday, March 17, when another driver recorded LaPlaca’s 2019 BMW driving dangerously. The concerned witness provided the footage to police, who traced the vehicle to the mayor’s residence where they subsequently made the arrest.

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Multiple Serious Charges

LaPlaca now faces a series of charges including driving under the influence, reckless driving, child neglect and endangerment, driving with an expired license, and related offenses. When officers arrived at her home, they reportedly discovered an open container of alcohol in her vehicle, further compounding the legal issues facing the municipal leader.

Following her arrest, LaPlaca was released with a summons to appear in court on April 28. The charges come with potential significant penalties under New Jersey law, particularly due to the presence of a minor in the vehicle during the alleged DUI incident.

As reported by People, LaPlaca reportedly admitted to police that she had been drinking before picking up her son from daycare, a crucial detail that will likely factor into the prosecution’s case.

Husband Addresses Addiction Struggles

The day after the arrest, LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, posted a message on Facebook acknowledging his wife’s struggles with addiction and asking for compassion from the community. “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,” Carty wrote.

In his statement, he requested privacy for their family, particularly mentioning their teenage son who can see negative comments online. “Gina is a loving and caring mother and stepmom to our son and her stepson. Our oldest is a teenager and can see the unkind things being said online. I ask simply that you respect our privacy, be better humans and please show some compassion,” he continued.

Carty defended his wife’s record of public service, adding, “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.”

Political Career and Recent Resignation

The arrest comes at a tumultuous time in LaPlaca’s professional life. Just one week before the incident, on March 10, she had resigned from her position as business administrator for Neptune Township, citing “the changing political environment” as her reason for departure, according to the Asbury Park Press.

LaPlaca has been a prominent figure in Lumberton Township politics since 2020, when she was first elected to the township committee. The five-member governing body subsequently selected her to serve as mayor for a one-year term in 2021, and she had been re-elected to that position for three consecutive years.

Before entering public service, LaPlaca built an impressive professional resume. The Fordham Law School graduate previously worked in the New Jersey General Assembly Majority Office as counsel before transitioning to the private sector. Her corporate career included roles as director of state affairs at Verizon and a brief stint as regional director at Anheuser-Busch.

Community Reaction

News of the mayor’s arrest has sparked varied reactions throughout the Lumberton community. Many residents have expressed shock and disappointment, while others have voiced support for LaPlaca as she reportedly seeks treatment for addiction issues.

The Lumberton Township Committee has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident or LaPlaca’s status as mayor. Under New Jersey law, elected officials are not automatically removed from office following an arrest, and any potential administrative action would likely await the outcome of legal proceedings.

Local political observers note that the incident creates a challenging situation for the township’s governance. “This puts the township committee in a difficult position,” said one New Jersey municipal government expert who requested anonymity to speak candidly. “They must balance respecting due process with ensuring confidence in local leadership.”

As the legal process unfolds, questions remain about LaPlaca’s political future and the potential impact on Lumberton Township’s administration. The mayor has not yet made any public statement regarding the charges or her intentions concerning her elected position.

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