Murphy says Lumberton mayor should step aside after DUI, child endangerment arrest

Gov. Phil Murphy said Lumberton Mayor Gina LaPlaca should step down after her arrest for driving under the influence and child endangerment. 

Lumberton police arrested her last month after she allegedly struck a car while driving in Mount Laurel and left the scene of the accident. LaPlaca’s son was allegedly in the car during the incident.

Murphy said he hopes she reaches a better place and thinks it would be best for her to step aside until she can improve.

“She’s been in my prayers since the moment I heard about this,” he told reporters. “I wish her a speedy journey to a better place for her and her family. I think, based on what I’ve seen, I think it would be wise for her to put aside—until she can get to that better place—her public duties. And, most importantly, [I’m] praying for her and her family.”

LaPlaca did not immediately respond to a voicemail message left on her cell phone last month, but her husband, political operative Jason Carty, did release a statement to the New Jersey Globe.

“Millions of Americans struggle with addiction and never get help. Gina is someone who has struggled, and is now getting the help she needs. I ask that everyone keep her in their thoughts as she moves forward on her road to recovery. Please ignore the exaggerated political hyperbole and keep in mind her passion for helping others. This should not erase all the things she has accomplished for our community,” he said. “Gina is a loving and caring mother and step mom to our son and her step son. Our oldest is a teenager and can see the unkind things being said online. I ask simply that you respect our privacy, be better humans and please show some compassion, thank you.”

Records show she was charged with Endangering-Abuse/Neglect of a Child by Caretaker and Cruelty and Neglect of Children. She was also charged with operating her BMW under the influence of liquor or drugs, driving with an open container of alcohol or unsealed cannabis in her motor vehicle, careless driving likely to endanger a person or property, reckless driving, crossing over marked lines in traffic, and driving with an expired license.

In 2023, while serving as deputy mayor, LaPlaca was arrested for assaulting her Carty. Carty was also arrested. He later accepted responsibility, and the charges against LaPlaca were dropped.