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Gina LaPlaca, a 45-year-old mayor, faced legal issues after being arrested for DUI and related offenses on March 17.
Additionally, LaPlaca is being charged with child neglect and endangerment following a serious crash while allegedly intoxicated, with her toddler son present in the vehicle.
The spouse of Lumberton Township’s mayor, Jason Carty, has called for the public to respect her privacy as she works on her recovery from addiction.
The mayor of Lumberton Township, New Jersey, is under scrutiny after admitting to driving under the influence, an act that jeopardized the safety of her 2-year-old son during a near-fatal incident.
Gina LaPlaca was taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, child neglect and endangerment, as well as operating a vehicle with an expired license, according to reports from PEOPLE.
During the arrest on March 17, LaPlaca acknowledged to law enforcement that she had consumed “a little bit of vodka.” This statement, along with body camera footage that showed her struggling to maintain her balance and slurring her words while being apprehended in her driveway, sparked outrage. Reports from PennLive, ABC6, and NBC 10 covered these developments.
In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Carty remarked, “It’s not like she’s the mayor of some big city. Lumberton has only 13,000 people. All I want is for my wife to get better and for everyone to leave her alone.”
He further mentioned that LaPlaca is currently receiving treatment in an inpatient facility as she seeks to overcome her struggles with addiction.
Carty has consistently supported his wife in public discussions about her addiction, expressing hope for her recovery since shortly after her arrest. “Millions of Americans grapple with addiction and don’t seek help. Gina LaPlaca is one who has struggled and is now in the process of obtaining the assistance she requires,” Carty stated in a Facebook post. He urged the community to keep LaPlaca in their thoughts as she navigates this difficult journey.
“Please overlook any political sensationalism and remember her dedication to serving others,” he emphasized. “This incident should not overshadow her contributions to our community.”
Witnesses alerted police after observing LaPlaca’s car acting erratically, nearly colliding with a utility pole while her child was seated in the back. Upon arrival, officers conducted field sobriety tests and discovered a water bottle that emitted a strong smell of alcohol within her vehicle, as well as a small bottle that appeared to contain alcohol.
A court appearance is scheduled for LaPlaca on April 28, where she will address the charges stemming from this incident.
In response to calls for her resignation, LaPlaca stated via email, “I will not be resigning my position.” She also commented that the community should embrace compassion as individuals work to improve themselves, acknowledging the considerable challenges currently facing Lumberton.
LaPlaca first joined the Lumberton Township Committee in 2020 and successfully ran for reelection in 2023. She also held the position of business administrator for Neptune Township since January 2022, which she resigned from just a week prior to her recent arrest, as noted by Asbury Park Press.
For more details about this unfolding story, visit People.
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