Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca faces investigation for drunk driving with her child in the car
Gina LaPlaca, mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, is under investigation after being accused of drunk driving with her child in the car. The situation worsened when alcohol was found in her vehicle, complicating her legal situation.
Gina LaPlaca, the mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, is under investigation after being accused of driving under the influence with her two-year-old child in the car. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has drawn significant attention after witnesses recorded LaPlaca’s erratic driving, including nearly crashing into a utility pole.
Police later discovered an open container of alcohol inside her vehicle, further complicating her legal situation. This investigation has raised concerns about child safety and the mayor’s conduct, leaving the public and authorities alike questioning the events surrounding the incident.
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Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca under investigation for child endangerment
According to court documents obtained by Action News, witnesses filmed LaPlaca driving recklessly and almost hitting a pole. The police responded quickly and located the vehicle near the mayor’s residence. Upon being stopped, LaPlaca admitted to drinking alcohol and confessed that she had just picked up her two-year-old child from daycare. While it was confirmed that the child was properly secured in a car seat, the situation of driving under the influence raises serious concerns about the child's safety.
As a result of the incident, Gina LaPlaca has been charged with second-degree child endangerment and fourth-degree child negligence, according to court documents. These charges could have serious legal consequences for the mayor. She was released with a citation to appear at her first court hearing, scheduled for April 28.
LaPlaca’s husband call for empathy
LaPlaca’s husband, Jason Carty, spoke publicly about his wife’s condition and asked for empathy while she faces this difficult situation. Carty expressed that his wife has been struggling with personal issues and is seeking professional help. He also asked for privacy to be respected during this challenging time, especially due to the emotional impact that negative online comments have had on their teenage son.
The case has generated mixed reactions from Lumberton residents and nearby communities. Some residents have expressed that if LaPlaca were an ordinary person, she would likely be in jail, casting doubt on her ability to continue serving as mayor. Although LaPlaca was re-elected in 2023, her political future now depends on the outcome of the legal proceedings and how the community perceives her response to this incident.
So far, neither Gina LaPlaca nor her legal team has issued any comments on the incident or the charges against her. The case remains a hot topic on social media and in local media outlets, where public reactions continue to evolve as the investigation progresses.