A former mayor from New Jersey, who was caught driving under the influence with her toddler in the vehicle on St. Patrick’s Day, will avoid incarceration due to a “second chance” opportunity.
Gina LaPlaca, a member of the Lumberton Township Committee and last year’s mayor, admitted guilt to charges of DUI and child endangerment on Tuesday. She received a sentence that includes three years of supervision through an intervention program.
The 46-year-old Democratic politician must fulfill several court-mandated requirements, such as attending Alcoholics Anonymous sessions and adhering to directives from the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, according to a report by CBS News Philadelphia.
After her arrest on March 17, 2025, for driving intoxicated, LaPlaca expressed relief upon being accepted into Burlington County’s Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program.
In a heartfelt Facebook post on Tuesday, LaPlaca stated, “Standing before my community, I have never felt more humbled.”
She continued, “The consequences of my actions weigh heavily on me. What I did was wrong, perilous, and unjustifiable. Driving under the influence with my child in the car was a decision fraught with potential for irreversible damage. This is a reality I must accept and learn from for the remainder of my life.”
LaPlaca would have to face her child endangerment charge if she violates the requirements. Her charges would be dismissed after a successful completion of the program.
LaPlaca shot at several news reports claiming she had been denied admission into the program and was facing possible jail time, despite New Jersey court records indicating a Jan. 20 decision that denied her acceptance.
“I have always stood firm in my belief that the outcome is more important than the narrative, and I could not be more grateful for this outcome,” she said.
“I am grateful that this matter has been legally resolved, and I do not take lightly the second chance the court has given me. I see it not as an escape from consequences, but as an opportunity — an opportunity to do better, to be better, and to prove through my actions that I am worthy of that grace,” she added.
LaPlaca claimed she had privately struggled with alcoholism for years until it was no longer private.
“Addiction does not excuse my behavior, but it does explain the work I must continue to do. I am fully committed to my recovery. That commitment begins with my family — especially my children — and extends to every part of my life,” she said.
Last March, the local politician was spotted by another driver driving her son home from daycare, swerving across a road and nearly striking a utility pole during her boozy excursion.
The cautious motorists shared footage of the reckless driver to the police, who tracked the car down to LaPlaca’s home, where they met her in the driveway at around 6 p.m.
Officers discovered the then-mayor’s young son strapped in the backseat and an open container of alcohol scattered in the car.
LaPlaca admitted to drinking and driving and performed a field sobriety test. During the investigation police found that LaPlaca had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.30%, over three times the legal limit, according to CBS News Philadelphia.
The Lumberton Township is governed by a five-member panel of committeepeople who serve three-year terms.
During an annual meeting, the members vote for the mayor and deputy mayor, who serve in the position for one year each.
LaPlaca’s current term ends on Dec. 31, 2026.
