NJ Mayor Gina LaPlaca pleads guilty to DUI child endangerment after drunken driving arrest on St. Patricks Day
The disgraced former New Jersey mayor who was caught driving drunk with his 2-year-old son on St. Patrick’s Day will not go to jail because of his “second chance.”
Lumberton Township Committeewoman Gina LaPlaca, who was mayor last year, pleaded guilty to DUI and child endangerment charges Tuesday and was sentenced to three years of supervised release under an intervention program.
The Democrat, 46, will be required to participate in several court-ordered conditions, including attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and complying with the requirements of the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, CBS News Philadelphia reported.
LaPlaca celebrated his acceptance into Burlington County’s Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program after his drunk driving arrest on March 17, 2025.
“I have never felt more humbled than standing in front of our community today,” LaPlaca wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.
“The weight of my actions is something I carry deeply. What I did was wrong. It was dangerous. It was inexcusable. I drove drunk with my child in the car – a choice that could cause irreparable damage. That fact is something I will live with, and learn from, for the rest of my life.”
LaPlaca will have to face a child endangerment charge if she violates the requirements. His charges will be dropped after successful completion of the program.
LaPlaca drew multiple news reports saying he was denied entry into the program and faces prison time, despite New Jersey court records showing a January 20 ruling that denied him admission.
“I’ve always stood firm in my belief that the result is more important than the narrative, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this result,” he said.
“I am grateful that this matter has been resolved legally, and I do not take lightly the second chance the court has given me. I do not see it as escaping the consequences, but as an opportunity – an opportunity to do better, to be better, and to show through my actions that I deserve that kindness,” he added.
LaPlaca said he had a secret alcohol problem for years until it was no longer a secret.
“Addiction does not excuse my behavior, but it does define the work I must continue to do. I am fully committed to my recovery. That commitment starts with my family – especially my children – and extends to all areas of my life,” he said.
Last March, a local politician was spotted by another driver driving his son home from daycare, wandering off the road and almost hitting a pole during his drunken journey.
Vigilant drivers shared photos of the reckless driver with the police, who tracked the car to LaPlaca, where they met him around 18:00.
The police found that the son of the former mayor of the time was tied to the back seat and an open container of alcohol was scattered in the car.
LaPlaca admitted to drinking and driving and performed a field sobriety test. During the investigation, police discovered that LaPlaca had a blood alcohol content of 0.30%, more than three times the legal limit, according to CBS News Philadelphia.
Lumberton Township is governed by a five-member committee that serves three-year terms.
During the annual meeting, members vote for a mayor and vice mayor, who serve in this position for one year each.
LaPlaca’s current season ends on Dec. 31, 2026.
