A Burlington County legal team accused a sitting Lumberton Township committee member and former mayor of submitting nominating-petition signatures that others say they did not sign, and her husband faces related charges; the episode follows an earlier DUI guilty plea that drew sharp public attention.
Prosecutors say Gina LaPlaca, who served as mayor from 2021 to 2025 and still holds a committee seat, was charged with making a false statement under oath, knowingly filing a false petition, tampering with public records and falsifying or tampering with records. Her husband, Jason Carty, was also charged with knowingly filing a false petition, tampering with public records and falsifying or tampering with records. The county alleges signatures on her nominating petition were not genuine and that some people whose names appeared on the form said they never signed it.
The petition submitted to the municipal clerk included an affidavit with a statement that must be preserved as filed and is central to the case: “personally circulated the petition [and] that such petition was signed by each of the signers thereof in his/her own handwriting.” That exact language is now part of the prosecution’s file as officials sort out who actually collected signatures and how the petition was compiled. If proven false, the affidavit could be the linchpin for criminal charges tied to electoral integrity.
Investigators say signatures were gathered by LaPlaca and Carty, but several purported signers disavowed their signatures and said they neither signed nor authorized anyone to sign for them. Prosecutors contend that without those contested names, LaPlaca’s petition would not have met the required threshold to qualify her for the Democratic primary ballot. That allegation matters because it strikes at the foundation of fair, transparent local elections.
LaPlaca ran in the June Democratic primary seeking another term on the committee but finished third in a two-seat race, edged out by Terrance Benson and Kendra Hatfield. Her current committee term runs through the end of the year, and both defendants are due in Mount Holly court on Sept. 21. The charges do not yet carry a conviction, but the filing itself has reputational consequences and will shape how residents view local leadership choices.
The developments arrive after LaPlaca pleaded guilty earlier this year in a DUI case that alarmed neighbors and officials alike because her child was in the vehicle at the time. Prosecutors say she was intoxicated when she picked up her child from daycare in March 2025, and witness video showed her car weaving dangerously and nearly striking a utility pole while the child was inside. Authorities reported her blood alcohol concentration at 0.30%, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08%.
As part of that earlier matter, LaPlaca was sentenced to three years of supervision under a pretrial intervention program and required to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The DUI episode and the current petition allegations together raise questions for voters about judgment, responsibility and whether officials who seek to serve their communities can be trusted to follow the law both on the road and at the ballot box. Those are not small concerns for anyone who cares about safe streets and honest elections.
From a Republican perspective, the case highlights the need for strict enforcement and accountability across party lines so voters can have confidence in the process. Local offices are the front line of government, and any hint of irregularity in how candidates qualify for ballots erodes trust and invites cynicism. Holding public officials to clear standards is essential to preserving the integrity of municipal government and ensuring that elections reflect real voter intent.
Legal experts say the evidence prosecutors will need to show includes proof that signatures were knowingly falsified or filed without proper authorization, and that false statements were made under oath. Defense teams often challenge the chain of custody on paperwork or dispute memories of individuals who claim they did not sign. The Sept. 21 court date will be an early step in the legal process where those issues begin to be tested in open court.
Whatever the final verdict, residents of Lumberton Township will be watching closely as the case unfolds. Trust is hard to rebuild once it’s frayed, and local communities deserve transparent, accountable leaders who follow the same rules as everyone else. The legal system will now determine whether the allegations amount to criminal conduct or a campaign paperwork dispute that can be resolved without convictions.
Darnell Thompkins is a Canadian-born American and conservative opinion writer who brings a unique perspective to political and cultural discussions. Passionate about traditional values and individual freedoms, Darnell’s commentary reflects his commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue. When he’s not writing, he enjoys watching hockey and celebrating the sport that connects his Canadian roots with his American journey.