New Jersey Democrat Admits to Drunk Driving With Child in Car, Avoids Jail Through Diversion Deal
A Democratic township official in New Jersey has admitted to a shocking and reckless crime: driving at nearly four times the legal alcohol limit with her young child in the vehicle. Despite the severity of the offense, she will avoid jail time under a pretrial diversion program.
Gina LaPlaca, 46, a member of the Lumberton Township Committee and former mayor, pleaded guilty in Burlington County Superior Court to fourth-degree child abuse and driving under the influence. Prosecutors revealed that her blood alcohol concentration registered at a staggering .30% during the March 2025 incident. In New Jersey, a driver is considered legally intoxicated at just .08%.
According to authorities, the situation unfolded when a concerned motorist contacted police after witnessing LaPlaca’s vehicle swerving over the centerline and nearly colliding with oncoming traffic. Video captured by the witness was later reviewed by law enforcement. Officers ultimately tracked LaPlaca down at her residence and took her into custody.
Police body camera footage showed officers conducting field sobriety tests. When asked what she had consumed, LaPlaca responded with a single word: “vodka.” Officers were also seen separating her child from the scene as part of their investigation — a sobering image that underscores just how dangerous the situation had become.
Three-Year Supervision, No Jail Time
Rather than facing incarceration, LaPlaca was admitted into Burlington County’s Pretrial Intervention (PTI) program. The arrangement places her under three years of court supervision. If she meets all the program’s requirements, she will avoid serving time behind bars.
Under orders from Superior Court Judge Craig A. Ambrose, LaPlaca must:
- Maintain proof of attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
- Comply with any directives from the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency
- Continue using an ignition interlock device on her vehicle
The ignition interlock device prevents a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. Prosecutors noted that LaPlaca told the court she had voluntarily installed the device in October 2025.
In a public statement posted to social media, LaPlaca described her actions as “wrong,” “dangerous,” and “inexcusable.” She admitted that her decision to drive intoxicated with her child in the car “could have caused irreversible harm” and said she is committed to recovery from alcoholism.
“I drove while intoxicated with my child in the car — a choice that could have caused irreversible harm,” she wrote.
She further stated that she is dedicated to treatment and intends to prove herself worthy of what she called a “second chance.”
No Resignation Announced
Notably, LaPlaca remains on the Lumberton Township Committee and has not indicated any plans to resign from public office. Her continued role in local government raises serious questions about accountability and standards for those entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
At a time when Americans across the country expect their elected officials to model responsibility and put families first, this case has left many shaking their heads. Driving at .30% blood alcohol concentration is not a borderline mistake — it is an extreme level of intoxication that puts innocent lives at tremendous risk.
Terrance Benson was sworn in as mayor of Lumberton this year, taking over after LaPlaca’s tenure as mayor concluded in 2025. Meanwhile, the former mayor now faces three years of supervision as she works through the court-mandated program.
While the justice system has afforded her an opportunity for rehabilitation, many hardworking Americans will be watching closely. Public service is a privilege, not a right — and protecting children should always come before politics.
