The situation surrounding Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca has drawn significant attention following her arrest on St. Patrick’s Day for suspected drunk driving, an incident involving her young child.
Jason Carty, the mayor’s husband, recently stated his desire for his wife to be afforded some privacy. “It’s not like she’s leading a major metropolitan area,” he commented, referencing Lumberton’s relatively small population of approximately 13,000 residents. “All I want is for my wife to get better and for everyone to leave her alone.”
Despite considerable public pressure, Mayor LaPlaca has not tendered her resignation, though reports indicate she is currently undergoing inpatient treatment as part of her recovery journey.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy publicly urged the mayor’s departure from her official duties last week. “I wish her a speedy journey to a better place for her and her family,” he stated. “I think, based on what I’ve seen, I think it would be wise for her to put aside her public duties until she gets to that better place.”
The arrest occurred when a witness reported erratic driving behavior and subsequently contacted authorities. Police encountered Mayor LaPlaca outside her residence removing her toddler son from the back seat of her vehicle. According to reports, she appeared impaired, initially denying alcohol consumption before later admitting to having consumed some.
Bodycam footage revealed visible damage to the side of her car – a scratched panel and a nearly destroyed passenger-side mirror. When questioned about the incident, LaPlaca claimed she had no memory of what occurred.
Law enforcement officials recovered an open container filled with liquor from within the vehicle.
“You don’t have any recollection of hitting anything?” another officer asked.
“No, I don’t,” she replied.
While in custody, LaPlaca reportedly requested that a Lumberton Township police officer contact the township’s chief of police. She was subsequently transported to a local hospital.
The charges against Mayor LaPlaca include:
* Endangering/abuse/neglect of a child
* Driving while intoxicated
* Reckless driving
* Careless driving likely to endanger
* Driving with an expired license
* Possession of an open container of alcohol
LaPlaca is scheduled to appear in court on April 28th.
