Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca is reportedly refusing to resign after her indictment on charges of child endangerment and abuse.
A grand jury in Burlington County handed down the indictment following her March arrest for drunk driving with her young child in the car.
At the time, LaPlaca’s blood alcohol level was nearly four times the legal limit of 0.08. Officers found open containers of alcohol in her car and she allegedly struggled to stand while being questioned.
Despite calls for her resignation from community officials and Governor Phil Murphy, LaPlaca entered rehab and returned to her mayoral duties following the arrest.
The indictment could carry a prison sentence of up to ten years, along with hefty fines and potential loss of custody of her child. Child endangerment, classified as a second-degree offense, assumes the presumption of incarceration, highlighting the seriousness of the charges. A fourth-degree child abuse charge adds the possibility of an 18-month sentence.
Local and state leaders continue to weigh in, according to New Jersey Globe. Democratic Assemblywoman Andrea Katz called for LaPlaca’s resignation, saying, “Everyone will benefit if her full focus is on recovery,” she said. “It’s time for Mayor LaPlaca to resign.”
LaPlaca responded via social media, stating: “I’m sorry I ever supported you…punshing down is not a good look, Assemblywoman.”
LaPlaca’s has a controversial legal history. Previously, she faced assault and domestic violence charges, some of which were dropped, and she resigned as Neptune Township administrator just weeks before her DUI. Her husband, Jason Carty, also has a string of legal controversies, including harassment and domestic incidents.
Despite the indictment, LaPlaca insists she is sober, undergoing therapy and installed an interlock device on her vehicle. Critics still question whether someone with such a record should remain in public office.
An arraignment is set for December 8 before Superior Court Judge Craig Ambrose, and the case is expected to draw statewide attention.
Watch: Police bodycam footage of LaPlaca’s March arrest highlights the gravity of the charges
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