Two NJ Residents Indicted Over “Ghost Guns,” Meth, and Conspiracy to Sell Defaced Firearm

Defendants allegedly possessed multiple firearms with removed serial numbers, extended magazines, and methamphetamine.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice have announced the indictment of George Garulle, 56, of Beachwood, and Dana Restaino, 39, of Whiting, on an array of weapons and drug charges. Both suspects are accused of possessing and distributing illegal firearms—some with serial numbers removed or never applied—and conspiring to sell a defaced gun. Investigators also allege they found methamphetamine as part of the operation.

Alleged Criminal Activities

A joint investigation carried out by the New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression South Unit and the Stafford Township Police Department culminated in court-authorized search warrants at various locations connected to Garulle and Restaino. During these searches, law enforcement allegedly seized:

Multiple “ghost guns” (firearms without serial numbers)
Extended magazines
Assault firearm
Methamphetamine
Brass knuckles

According to the indictment, the two defendants conspired to transport and sell at least one firearm that had no serial number and had been defaced. “Ghost guns” are of particular concern to law enforcement because they are privately manufactured or assembled from kits, making them difficult to trace in criminal investigations.

“My office’s focus on prosecuting gun crimes like those charged in this indictment is one reason we’ve been able to consistently reduce the number of shooting victims in New Jersey,” said Attorney General Platkin. “In addition to initiatives like our Gun Violence Reduction Task Force here in New Jersey, we’re partnering with other states to hold irresponsible firearms manufacturers accountable for their role in the plague of gun violence. Whether it’s going after individual alleged violators of the law like the two defendants charged in today’s announcement, or taking on the gun industry, protecting the public from gun violence is a goal we will never stop pursuing.”

Specific Charges

Both Garulle and Restaino face multiple counts, including:

Conspiracy (2nd degree)
Possession of a Handgun (2nd degree)
Possession of a Firearm Without a Serial Number (3rd degree)
Transporting a Manufactured Firearm Without a Serial Number (2nd degree)
Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, and Defacement of a Weapon
Possession of Methamphetamine (4th degree)
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (4th degree)

In addition, Garulle is charged with:

Additional Handgun Possession Counts (2nd degree)
Possession of a Defaced Firearm (3rd degree)
Possession of an Assault Firearm (2nd degree)
Possession of Three Shotguns (3rd degree)
Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Magazine (4th degree)
Possession of Brass Knuckles (4th degree)
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (3rd degree)
Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (2nd degree)

“The proliferation of illegal firearms, including ghost guns, poses a significant threat to the safety of our communities,” Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said. “This indictment stems from a thorough investigation and the joint efforts of law enforcement to remove illegal guns and narcotics from our streets. It sends a clear message—New Jersey will not tolerate gun and drug trafficking. We remain steadfast in protecting our communities and holding those who threaten public safety fully accountable.”

Potential Penalties

Second-Degree Felonies: 5 to 10 years in prison, and up to $150,000 in fines.
Third-Degree Felonies: 3 to 5 years in prison, and up to $15,000 in fines.
Fourth-Degree Offenses: Up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Ongoing Legal Process

Deputy Attorney General Angela Cifelli is prosecuting the case under the supervision of Deputy Chief Nicole Siano and Chief Cassandra Montalto. The charges are merely accusations at this stage; both defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Attorney General Platkin acknowledged the assistance of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and reaffirmed his commitment to curbing the proliferation of untraceable firearms and the narcotics trade. Officials stress that anyone convicted of these serious weapon and drug offenses could face mandatory prison time, reflecting the state’s heightened focus on dismantling illegal gun networks and drug trafficking.