A former mayor from New Jersey and her spouse are facing serious allegations after being arrested for driving under the influence with their young child in the vehicle. They reportedly forged signatures to place a candidate on the Democratic primary ballot before experiencing a significant defeat.
Gina LaPlaca and Jason Carty, who serve as Lumberton County Commissioners, are accused of fraudulently nominating a 47-year-old politician as part of their re-election campaign in their municipality in south-central New Jersey, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.
The couple was reportedly responsible for “gathering signatures” but included names on nomination petitions that didn’t actually consent to support LaPlaca ahead of the June 3 primary.
Multiple individuals who believed they were endorsing the politician stated during the investigation that they had not authorized LaPlaca’s candidacy.
In an affidavit, LaPlaca claimed, “I personally circulated the petition,” clarifying that each signature must be handwritten by its signatory.
Carty allegedly submitted the forged petitions to the Lumberton Township clerk.
While officials did not disclose the total number of forged signatures, they indicated that without them, LaPlaca wouldn’t have qualified to be a candidate.
The county attorney’s office noted that the investigation revealed LaPlaca’s petitions lacked the necessary signatures without the fraudulent additions.
LaPlaca, one of three contenders for two positions in the Democratic primary, came in last, garnering just 323 votes, while her competitors received significantly more.
She faced numerous charges, including making false statements under oath and knowingly filing a fraudulent petition. Carty was charged similarly for his role in the matter.
Their initial court appearances are set for September 21 in Mount Holly.
In the days leading up to the primary, LaPlaca alleged instances of voter intimidation, claiming individuals in dark suits approached at least 10 supporters and questioned them about their signatures.
“It’s shocking that such tactics made it to Lumberton. If someone fears my potential victory, I must be doing something right,” she commented on Facebook.
Currently, LaPlaca is serving a three-year supervised sentence after being arrested on March 17, 2025, with a blood alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit. She pleaded guilty to DUI and child endangerment for a dangerous incident on St. Patrick’s Day while serving as mayor.
She received a lighter sentence after being accepted into an intervention program designed for first-time offenders.
Days prior to the primary, LaPlaca accused Carty of assault, stating he “literally tried to kill me.” Reports indicate he allegedly strangled her during an incident at their home.
Responses from law enforcement noted LaPlaca appeared intoxicated, though she contested this claim, asserting her husband was the one drinking and that she had not been. She mentioned her struggles with medication that affect her early morning state.
A pre-arraignment conference is scheduled for August 19, according to court documents.
