One Democrat mayor in New Jersey had a wild St. Patrick’s Day celebration that ultimately led to her arrest.
Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca faced arrest at her residence on Monday evening. She was charged with endangering her child after an alleged hit-and-run incident involving her son in the car. This arrest adds to a string of legal issues for the embattled mayor, who was just dismissed from her role as Neptune Township administrator earlier this month.
Authorities claim that 42-year-old LaPlaca struck another vehicle while driving in Mount Laurel and then fled the scene. Sources familiar with the investigation suggest she had been drinking before the incident. Her son, whose age remains undisclosed, was reportedly in the car at the time of the crash.
After receiving a report of the hit-and-run, a Lumberton police officer—whom LaPlaca had hired during her tenure—was dispatched to her home, where she was taken into custody.
Court records show that LaPlaca has been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Cruelty and Neglect of Children. She was booked and later released pending a court appearance. Law enforcement officials indicate that additional charges related to the hit-and-run may still be filed.
This isn’t LaPlaca’s first legal issue.
In 2023, while serving as Lumberton’s deputy mayor, she was arrested for allegedly assaulting her husband, Jason Carty, a controversial political activist. Both were taken into custody following the altercation, but Carty later claimed responsibility, leading to the charges against LaPlaca being dropped. Their turbulent relationship has surfaced in police reports multiple times, including a 2017 incident where officers responded to a verbal argument after LaPlaca allegedly came home intoxicated. At the time, Carty, then her boyfriend, left their home with his young son.
Local critics have dubbed LaPlaca the “Queen of Toxicity,” as her political career has been riddled with controversy. Earlier this month, she was removed from her role as Neptune Township administrator following increasing pressure from colleagues and residents, who cited her erratic behavior and past legal troubles as justification for her dismissal.
Neither LaPlaca nor her representatives have issued a statement regarding her recent arrest. The Lumberton Police Department has declined to comment further, citing an ongoing investigation. While news of her latest legal troubles has left many residents of the small New Jersey township unsettled, some say it was only a matter of time.
“She’s been a trainwreck waiting to happen,” said one anonymous neighbor. “It’s just sad it’s come to this—especially with a child involved.”
As the case unfolds, uncertainty surrounds LaPlaca’s future as mayor and the potential legal consequences she may face. For now, the Lumberton community watches and waits as yet another chapter in her tumultuous political career plays out.
