Lumberton mayor indicted on child endangerment, abuse charges

LUMBERTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- The mayor of Lumberton, New Jersey, has been indicted by a grand jury on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse.

The indictment against Gina LaPlaca, 46, was returned Nov. 20.

READ MORE | New bodycam video shows response to NJ mayor's alleged DUI

LaPlaca was arrested March 17 outside her home after allegedly admitting to officers that she had been drinking and had recently picked up her 2-year-old from day care.

Another driver reportedly told police LaPlaca's vehicle was swerving across the centerline and nearly struck oncoming cars. Officers also allegedly found an open container of alcohol in the car.

Body camera video showed officers responding to her home before the arrest on charges of driving under the influence.

LaPlaca, who has refused to resign, was elected to the township committee in 2020 and re-elected in 2023.

She is scheduled to appear in court next week.