Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca is facing several charges, including driving under the influence and child endangerment, after allegedly driving drunk with her 2-year-old son in the car.
Authorities began investigating Monday after a witness recorded a vehicle swerving out of its lane and nearly hitting a utility pole. Police traced the car to LaPlaca’s home, where she admitted to drinking before picking up her child from daycare, according to charging documents. Officers also reported finding an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle.
The 45-year-old mayor was taken into custody and is due in court on April 28. She has also been charged with reckless driving and child neglect.
Her husband, Jason Carty, said LaPlaca is now seeking treatment for addiction.
LaPlaca, first elected to the township committee in 2020 and re-elected in 2023, recently resigned from her position as Neptune Township business administrator, citing political reasons.
Some residents voiced concerns over the case, suggesting that any ordinary citizen would be put in jail for the same offense.
Authorities have not released further details.
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