Lumberton Deputy Mayor Gina LaPlaca, a candidate in this year’s election, was taken into custody on Friday night after an altercation with her husband, political activist Jason Carty.
The incident unfolded at their residence around 11:30 PM, resulting in the arrest of both Gina LaPlaca and Carty, a government affairs consultant
While Gina LaPlaca has previously encountered accusations of domestic violence in prior relationships, Carty contests the details documented in the police reports. A 2017 incident report indicated a verbal dispute following Gina LaPlaca’s return home under the influence. At the time, Carty, her boyfriend, chose to leave their shared residence with his young son voluntarily.
Carty expressed accountability, stating, “I was the one at fault. We were both drinking.” He highlighted Gina LaPlaca’s own experience as a survivor of domestic violence during her college years. Although Carty had previously reported an instance of domestic violence involving Gina LaPlaca, he now refutes those claims, clarifying, “I never reported any domestic violence incidents… no charges were filed, and no allegations were made.”
Gina LaPlaca, alongside her running mate Terrance Benson, will compete against Republicans Mark Galey and Christopher Tommins in the November 7 general election.
Benson could not be reached for immediate comment
A former Assembly staffer and lobbyist, Gina LaPlaca was the Democratic nominee for State Assembly in the 8th district in 2019 and currently serves as the Neptune Township administrator. The implications of the charges on her position and oversight of the local police department remain uncertain.
Mayor Keith Cafferty refrained from providing a statement on the matter. Gina LaPlaca and Carty are scheduled to appear in court on November 20. Given her role as deputy mayor, a venue change may be necessary. Gina LaPlaca expressed her perspective on the incidents, asserting, “In both this most recent incident and in 2017, I was unequivocally the victim – of first verbal and then physical abuse at the hands of my partner…”
Carty echoed this sentiment, characterizing the event as an unfortunate episode between married individuals navigating their shared responsibilities. He anticipates the resolution of the charges, emphasizing Gina LaPlaca’s innocence.
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