Lumberton, NJ – Former Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca pleaded guilty Monday to driving under the influence and child abuse, stemming from a March 2025 incident where she drove with a blood alcohol concentration nearly four times the legal limit while her young son was in the car. LaPlaca, 46, a current member of the Lumberton Township Committee, was sentenced to three years of pre-trial intervention (PTI), a diversionary program that avoids jail time if she complies with its conditions, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances of the arrest and LaPlaca’s continued role in local government. The incident began when a concerned motorist reported LaPlaca’s vehicle swerving erratically, nearly striking oncoming vehicles, prompting a police investigation. LaPlaca’s subsequent arrest and guilty plea highlight the serious consequences of driving under the influence, particularly with a child present.
According to court documents, LaPlaca had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .30% at the time of the incident, significantly exceeding New Jersey’s legal limit of .08% as reported by NJ.com. She pleaded guilty to fourth-degree child abuse and driving under the influence in Superior Court in Mount Holly on Monday.
Bodycam footage released by the Lumberton Township Police Department shows LaPlaca undergoing field sobriety tests on March 17, 2025, after pulling into her driveway. In the footage, when asked what she had consumed, LaPlaca responded, “vodka.” NJ1015.com reports that officers are also seen separating her child from the scene during the investigation.
Gina LaPlaca booking photo (Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office)
Terms of the PTI Program
Under the terms of the PTI program, imposed by Superior Court Judge Craig A. Ambrose, LaPlaca must continue attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and comply with any requirements set by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency. She is also required to maintain an ignition interlock device on her vehicle, which prevents the car from starting if alcohol is detected. Prosecutors stated that LaPlaca informed the court she had voluntarily installed the device in October 2025 according to CBS News.
LaPlaca has publicly acknowledged her struggles with alcoholism and expressed commitment to her recovery. In a statement posted on social media, she called her actions “wrong,” “dangerous,” and “inexcusable,” adding, “I drove while intoxicated with my child in the car — a choice that could have caused irreversible harm.” She stated she is “fully committed to my recovery” and is engaged in ongoing treatment.
Political Fallout and Continued Service
Despite the charges and guilty plea, LaPlaca remains on the Lumberton Township Committee and is currently seeking reelection. Terrance Benson was sworn in as mayor of Lumberton earlier this year, succeeding LaPlaca, who served as mayor through 2025 as reported by NBC10 Philadelphia. She has not indicated any plans to resign from her position on the committee.
The incident originated when another driver contacted police on March 27, 2025, reporting that LaPlaca’s vehicle was swerving across the centerline and nearly colliding with a utility pole. Police responded to LaPlaca’s residence after reviewing video footage provided by the concerned motorist.
If LaPlaca violates the terms of the PTI program, she could face prosecution for the child abuse charge. The outcome of this case will likely continue to be a topic of discussion within the Lumberton community as LaPlaca continues to serve in her elected position.
The next steps for LaPlaca involve continued participation in the PTI program and adherence to the court-ordered requirements. The community will be watching to notice how this situation unfolds and what impact it will have on local governance. Share your thoughts on this story in the comments below.