Gina LaPlaca, the mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, is facing charges after police say she was driving under the influence with her child in the car. The arrest came after someone shared a video with police showing LaPlaca driving erratically. NBC10’s Siobhan McGirl spoke with her family who is asking the public for compassion.
The mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, was arrested at her home on St. Patrick's Day after, police allege, she drove with her son in her car while under the influence of alcohol.
According to police, the incident happened on Monday, March 17, 2025, at about 6:11 p.m. after law enforcement officials were sent a video that, allegedly, showed a vehicle swerving out of lanes while driving and, at one point, nearly hitting a utility pole.
Officers made contact with the vehicle's owner, Gina LaPlaca, the mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, after viewing the video.
Watch NBC 4 free wherever you are
WATCH HERECourt documents claim, in an interview with police, LaPlaca admitted that she had been drinking and said she drove the vehicle to pick up her son from daycare.
Also, according to court documents, at the time, officers administered a field sobriety test and LaPlaca "appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the offense."
Get Tri-state area news delivered to your inbox with NBC New York's News Headlines newsletter.
SIGN UP A search of LaPlaca's vehicle, court documents claim, yielded the discovery of an opened alcohol container.
Following her arrest, LaPlaca's husband, Jason Carty, a political activist -- and former executive director of the New Jersey Brewers Guild -- posted on social media to say LaPlaca has struggled with addiction.
Local
Contacted Wednesday, police had no comment on LaPlaca's arrest.
In a statemen to NBC10, Lumberton Deputy Mayor Lori Faye wrote:
"As a Committee, our priority is doing what is best for Lumberton. As human beings, we care about our residents and each other’s wellbeing. The Committee supports Mayor LaPlaca’s decision to seek the help she believes she needs. Further, we wish her all the best in her next steps for self-help. Finally, we will fully respect her family’s request for privacy. Moving forward, although 100% agreement does not exist 100% of the time, it is my belief that we have more in common that unites us than what divides us. As Deputy Mayor, I take my oath seriously, as does the entire Township Committee. We will continue to prioritize Lumberton, listen to our residents in consultation with our legal professionals, and work in unison to forge our path forward. The Committee remains diligent in our commitment to working with our Township’s employees and professionals to provide seamless services without a moment of disruption for our residents. Lumberton is a relatively small town full of hard-working residents. Through it all, I believe we will remain united; and as ever: Lumberton Strong. Thank you."
But, she has a court date scheduled for April 15, 2025.
Sign up for our Breaking newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox.
