St. Patrick’s Day DUI Lands Democrat Mayor In Legal Trouble

Democratic mayor Gina LaPlaca faces serious DUI and child endangerment charges after allegedly driving drunk with her 2-year-old son on St. Patrick’s Day, but refuses to resign despite mounting public pressure.

Quick Takes

Lumberton, NJ Mayor Gina LaPlaca was charged with DUI, child endangerment, and other offenses after allegedly driving erratically with her toddler in the car
A witness recorded LaPlaca nearly hitting a utility pole, and police found an open container in her BMW
The Democratic mayor admitted to drinking before picking up her child from daycare
LaPlaca refuses to resign despite community outrage at a packed township meeting
This incident follows a 2023 arrest involving an alleged domestic dispute with her husband

St. Patrick’s Day Incident Leads to Serious Charges

Lumberton, New Jersey Democratic Mayor Gina LaPlaca faces multiple charges following a St. Patrick’s Day incident where she allegedly drove drunk with her 2-year-old son in the car. The charges include driving under the influence, child neglect and endangerment, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle with an expired license. A concerned citizen recorded LaPlaca driving erratically in her 2019 BMW, nearly striking a utility pole. When police responded, they discovered an open container of alcohol in her vehicle, further compounding the serious nature of the allegations.

LaPlaca reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol before picking up her young son from daycare, creating a dangerous situation that has shocked the Lumberton community. The Democratic mayor, who was elected to the township committee in 2020 and became mayor in 2023, is scheduled to appear in court on April 28 to face these charges. The incident has created significant backlash in the Burlington County community, located approximately 25 miles east of Philadelphia, where residents have begun openly questioning her fitness for office.

Public Outrage and Calls for Resignation

Community members have voiced their concerns at a packed township meeting, with many calling for LaPlaca’s immediate resignation. Despite this public pressure, the mayor has firmly stated she will not step down from her position. In an email communication to constituents, LaPlaca wrote, “I will not be resigning my position. Our community needs to be more kind and understanding about people trying to better themselves. As we all know, there is a huge black eye and black cloud over our town right now.”

“Despite my issues, which I’m working diligently and responsibly to address and improve myself, my work for Lumberton has NEVER suffered or been neglected, nor will it be,” said Mayor LaPlaca.

The township solicitor explained at the public meeting that the committee lacks the authority to force LaPlaca’s resignation. Under New Jersey law, only a recall election or her voluntary resignation can remove her from office. This legal reality has intensified frustration among residents who believe the mayor’s actions have compromised public trust and brought negative attention to their community. The incident has sparked debates about accountability for elected officials and the balance between personal struggles and public responsibilities.

NJ mayor Gina LaPlaca charged with DUI while driving toddler home from daycare on St. Patrick’s Day https://t.co/Y2RFuuNiuZ pic.twitter.com/jIjQuwQbzS

— New York Post (@nypost) March 19, 2025

Addiction Struggles and Family Support

LaPlaca has openly acknowledged her struggle with addiction in the wake of her arrest. “The unfortunate fact is that I have a disease, one which millions of people share and that I would not wish on my worst enemy. My husband is taking me today to get the help I need and which I have been reluctant to get because I am not one to admit ‘weakness’ or ask for help,” she stated. Her husband, Jason Carty, has stood by her side during this difficult period, emphasizing her contributions to the community and asking for understanding as she seeks treatment.

“Millions of Americans struggle with addiction and never get help. Gina LaPlaca is someone who has struggled, and is now getting the help she needs. I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery. Please ignore the exaggerated political hyperbole and keep in mind her passion for helping others. This should not erase all the things she has accomplished for our community,” Jason Carty said.

This is not LaPlaca’s first brush with legal troubles. In 2023, she was arrested for allegedly assaulting her husband, though Carty later took responsibility for that incident. Additionally, she recently resigned from her position as Neptune Township business administrator following political changes in that municipality. Despite these challenges, LaPlaca remains determined to continue serving as mayor, insisting, “And no I will not be resigning my position. I will come back from recovery stronger and more focused on what is best for my family and our community.”