On March 17, 2025 a 911 call set in motion a series of events that would culminate in the indictment of Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca. The incident, which took place at approximately 6:11 p.m., involved a vehicle that was reported to have swerved out of its lane and nearly struck a utility pole. A video sent to the police appeared to show the erratic driving, prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement.
The March Incident
Police in Lumberton were dispatched after a concerned resident called 911 to report that Mayor LaPlaca was driving erratically. The call was made just before the vehicle was seen in the video. The footage captured the car’s sudden lane changes and a near collision with a utility pole. The incident occurred at the mayor’s home, where the vehicle was parked.
Police Response and Investigation
Upon arrival, officers conducted a field sobriety test. The mayor admitted that she had been drinking and explained that she was driving to pick up her son from daycare. During the stop, officers observed an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, further supporting the suspicion of intoxication. The mayor’s statements and the physical evidence led the officers to believe that she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the offense.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Mayor LaPlaca with several offenses. The indictment includes:
- Drunk driving
- Endangering the welfare of a child
- Child abuse
- Other related charges
The indictment was filed by a grand jury after the initial arrest. The charges specifically allege that the mayor failed to protect her child during the incident, constituting child abuse.
Upcoming Arraignment
The mayor is scheduled to appear before a judge on December 8, 2025. The arraignment will address the charges brought by the grand jury and determine the next steps in the legal process. The case will proceed under the jurisdiction of the Burlington County court system.
Key Takeaways
- Mayor Gina LaPlaca faces child abuse charges tied to a March 2025 drunk driving incident.
- Police evidence includes a video of erratic driving, an open alcohol container, and a field sobriety test.
- The grand jury indictment lists drunk driving, endangering a child, child abuse, and related charges.
- An arraignment is set for December 8, 2025.
The case highlights the seriousness of the allegations against a public official and underscores the legal consequences of driving under the influence while a parent’s safety is at stake.
