New Jersey mayor faces child endangerment charges for driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle.
A New Jersey mayor has been indicted on serious charges stemming from an incident in March where she was reportedly driving under the influence with her young child in the vehicle. Gina LaPlaca, 46, the mayor of Lumberton, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse by a grand jury in Burlington County.
The troubling events unfolded on March 17, when a witness observed LaPlaca’s erratic driving, which included crossing the center line and driving off the road. Alarmed by the sight of a child in the vehicle, the witness promptly contacted local authorities. Police responded to the reports and arrived at LaPlaca’s residence, where she was seen removing her child from the car.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement noted signs of impairment in LaPlaca’s behavior. Initially, she denied consuming alcohol but later acknowledged that she had been drinking prior to picking up her son from daycare. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered an empty miniature liquor bottle, along with a water bottle that contained what appeared to be vodka mixed with another liquid.
Body camera footage from the incident showcased LaPlaca’s staggering movements and emotional distress during a field sobriety test, raising questions about her capacity to operate a vehicle safely. Additionally, the video revealed damage to a side-view mirror on her vehicle; the timeline of this damage remains unclear.
At the police station, LaPlaca made a request for an officer to contact the chief while facing multiple motor vehicle citations. Despite public calls for an immediate resignation, she resumed her duties in May following her participation in an inpatient rehabilitation program for substance abuse.
In a statement made at a committee meeting in mid-May, LaPlaca disclosed that she is currently engaged in an intensive outpatient treatment program, attending sessions three hours a day, five days a week.
The arraignment for the charges against LaPlaca is set for December 8, and she faces significant legal consequences if convicted, including a potential prison sentence of nearly 12 years, a fine of up to 0,000, the possibility of losing her mayoral position, and even custody of her son. The case highlights the significant public concern surrounding the responsibilities of elected officials, particularly regarding their conduct and its implications for public safety.
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