NJ Man Arrested for Manufacturing and Selling "Ghost Guns"

Morris and Warren Counties Crack Down on Illegal Firearms Operation

In a significant crackdown on illegal firearms manufacturing, Joseph Palumbo Jr., a 33-year-old Columbia, NJ resident, faces multiple charges related to the illicit production and sale of "ghost guns" in Morris and Warren Counties. The arrest, announced by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and other law enforcement officials, marks a critical step in addressing the growing concern over untraceable firearms.

Palumbo is accused of operating an underground facility that produced and sold firearms without serial numbers, including homemade AR platform assault firearms and handguns, from December 2023 to February 2024. His arrest followed a traffic stop on February 8, 2024, leading authorities to uncover a ghost gun manufacturing setup in his home's basement.

The investigation revealed Palumbo's extensive operation, which spanned his residence, barbershop in Netcong, and vehicle. Law enforcement officers seized an alarming array of weapons and equipment, including two more homemade AR platform assault firearms, around 36 additional firearms, numerous parts for gun manufacturing, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and three firearm silencers.

Facing serious charges, Palumbo's indictment includes multiple counts of unlawful possession of an assault firearm, transporting manufactured firearms without serial numbers, and child endangerment, highlighting the operation's danger to the community and his household. The charges underscore the severity of manufacturing and distributing unregistered firearms, posing significant challenges to public safety and law enforcement.

Monica D. Scaglione, 30, also of Columbia, has been charged with child neglect following the discovery of numerous unsecured firearms and ammunition in the home shared with Palumbo, where minor children reside. This addition to the case emphasizes the broader implications of such illegal activities on family and community safety.

The collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, local police departments, the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Taskforce, and federal agencies like the BATF, have been pivotal in bringing Palumbo and his operation to light. This case represents a concerted effort to tackle the complex issue of ghost guns and their impact on community safety.

As Palumbo awaits further court proceedings, detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility, this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by ghost guns and the importance of stringent enforcement of firearms regulations. The charges against Palumbo and Scaglione also highlight the responsibility of individuals to ensure the safety of their homes, especially when children are present.

This ongoing investigation into illegal firearms manufacturing and sales in New Jersey illustrates the commitment of local and federal agencies to combatting gun violence and protecting communities from the perils of unregulated weapons.