LUMBERTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Former Lumberton Township Mayor Gina LaPlaca has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and child endangerment following a March 2025 incident in which authorities say she was intoxicated while driving with her young child in the vehicle.
LaPlaca, 46, entered her guilty plea as part of an agreement that places her in New Jersey’s Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program, a diversionary program designed for certain non-violent offenders. If she successfully completes the program, she may avoid a criminal conviction.
According to prosecutors, LaPlaca was stopped by police in March after officers observed signs of impaired driving. Authorities said she had her child in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop.
Investigators reported that her blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.30% — nearly four times New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.08%. Law enforcement officials also stated that an open container of alcohol was found inside the vehicle.
The presence of a child in the car led to the additional charge of child endangerment.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, LaPlaca will be subject to three years of supervision through PTI. The program includes several mandatory conditions, which typically involve.
Attendance at recovery support meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous
Installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle she operates
Compliance with directives from the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency
If LaPlaca fails to comply with the program’s requirements, prosecutors could seek to reinstate the original charges and pursue traditional prosecution.
LaPlaca previously served as mayor of Lumberton Township under the municipality’s rotating township committee system. Following the incident, the case drew significant public attention within the Burlington County community.
In court proceedings, LaPlaca acknowledged responsibility for her actions and expressed a commitment to addressing alcohol-related issues.
The case underscores the legal and personal consequences of impaired driving, particularly when minors are involved. Driving under the influence with a child passenger can result in enhanced penalties under New Jersey law.
LaPlaca’s progress through the PTI program will determine the final legal outcome of the case.