Mercer Times

Two Ocean County residents, George Garulle and Dana Restaino, have been indicted on charges related to illegal firearms and drug offenses. The announcement was made by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice.

The investigation, led by the New Jersey State Police’s Crime Suppression South Unit in collaboration with the Stafford Township Police Department, involved executing court-authorized search warrants at various locations linked to the accused. Law enforcement seized numerous firearms, including "ghost guns"—privately made guns without serial numbers—extended magazines, and methamphetamine. It was also revealed that Garulle and Restaino allegedly conspired to sell a defaced firearm lacking a serial number.

The indictment includes charges against both individuals for 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), and possession of a controlled dangerous substance (4th degree).

Garulle faces additional charges such as possession of an assault firearm (2nd degree) and certain persons not to have weapons (2nd degree). He is also charged with multiple counts involving handguns, shotguns, large capacity ammunition magazines, brass knuckles, and controlled substances.

Attorney General Platkin emphasized the importance of prosecuting gun crimes to reduce shooting incidents in New Jersey. He stated: “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.” Platkin also highlighted initiatives like the Gun Violence Reduction Task Force as part of broader efforts to address gun violence.

Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton remarked on the collaborative efforts across law enforcement agencies: “This case illustrates some of the many benefits of DCJ’s collaboration with law enforcement across the State.”

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan from the New Jersey State Police noted the threat posed by illegal firearms: “The proliferation of illegal firearms, including ghost guns, poses a significant threat to the safety of our communities.”

Second-degree charges could result in five to 10 years in state prison with fines up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry potential sentences ranging from three to five years with fines up to $15,000. Fourth-degree offenses may lead to up to 18 months in prison with fines up to $10,000.

Deputy Attorney General Angela Cifelli is handling prosecution under Deputy Chief Nicole Siano's supervision along with Chief Cassandra Montalto.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The Attorney General expressed gratitude towards Stafford Township Police Department and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.

Defense counsel for Garulle is Glenn D. Kassman from Tinton Falls while Edward J. Kownacki from the Office of Public Defender represents Restaino.