A township official from New Jersey, Gina LaPlaca, admitted guilt on charges of child abuse and driving under the influence. Authorities reported that LaPlaca had a blood alcohol level of .30%, which is nearly four times the legal limit, while she was behind the wheel with her young child in the vehicle.
Gina LaPlaca, who serves on the Lumberton Township Committee and is a former mayor, received a sentence of three years of supervision. This will be under Burlington County’s Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program, a diversionary initiative that avoids jail time as long as she meets its requirements, as per the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
In a public apology shared on social media, LaPlaca acknowledged her actions were “wrong,” “dangerous,” and “inexcusable.” She expressed her dedication to taking responsibility and pursuing recovery. “I drove while intoxicated with my child in the car — a choice that could have caused irreversible harm,” she stated.
Footage from a police body camera revealed LaPlaca failing a field sobriety test during the incident last year, as recorded by the Lumberton Township, N.J. Police Department.
Despite the charges and her guilty plea, LaPlaca continues to hold her position on the township committee. In her statement, she did not mention any intention to step down from her role.
LaPlaca remains on the township committee. She did not indicate in her statement that she plans to resign.
The charges stem from a March 2025 incident that began when another motorist contacted police to report that LaPlaca’s vehicle was swerving across the centerline and nearly striking oncoming vehicles, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Lumberton police officers later went to LaPlaca’s residence after reviewing video footage recorded by the motorist and took her into custody, authorities said.
Lumberton Township Committeewoman Gina LaPlaca, 46, was found driving under the influence with her young son in the car last year by local authorities. (Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office via Facebook)
An investigation determined LaPlaca had a blood alcohol concentration of .30%. In New Jersey, drivers with a BAC of .08% or higher are considered legally intoxicated.
LaPlaca pleaded guilty in Superior Court in Mount Holly to fourth-degree child abuse and driving under the influence, according to prosecutors.
Under terms imposed by Superior Court Judge Craig A. Ambrose, LaPlaca must continue to provide proof of attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and comply with any requirements imposed by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca stands beside her damaged BMW before failing a sobriety test on March 17, 2025. (Lumberton Township Police Department)
She was also ordered to maintain an ignition interlock device on her vehicle, which prevents a car from starting if alcohol is detected. Prosecutors said LaPlaca told the court she had voluntarily installed one in October 2025.
Police body camera footage from the arrest shows officers administering field sobriety tests. When asked what she had to drink, LaPlaca responded, “vodka.”
Footage also shows officers separating her child from the scene while they conducted the investigation.
LaPlaca said she has struggled with alcoholism and is “fully committed to my recovery,” adding that she continues in treatment.
“I will spend every day moving forward striving to be worthy of the second chance I have been given,” she wrote.
Terrance Benson was sworn in as mayor of Lumberton this year. LaPlaca served as mayor through 2025.
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