Pair Indicted On 'Ghost Gun' Charges In Ocean County Probe: State AG

TRENTON, NJ — Two Ocean County residents have been indicted on firearms and drug charges in connection with the distribution of so-called "ghost guns" in the area, the state Attorney General's office said Wednesday.

George A. Garulle, 56, of Beachwood, and Dana M Restaino, 39, of Whiting, were arrested in November after multiple firearms, including defaced ones, were seized from a motel room in Stafford Township, authorities said at the time.

They are being held in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, where they have been since their arrests in November.

Authorities found "numerous" illegal firearms, including defaced handguns, "ghost guns" —privately made firearms with no serial numbers — along with rifles and shotguns when search warrants were executed at Garulle's home and the room at a Howard Johnson, authorities said. A car belonging to Garulle and Restaino was also searched.

Authorities also seized extended magazines, and a quantity of methamphetamine, the attorney general's office said.

Additionally, the investigation revealed that the defendants conspired to sell a defaced firearm with no serial number, the attorney general's office said.

Garulle and Restaino were indicted on one count each of conspiracy; possession of a handgun; possession of a firearm without a serial number; transporting a manufactured firearm without a serial number; manufacture, transport, disposition and defacement of a weapon; possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Garulle is also charged with additional counts of possession of a handgun; possession of a firearm without a serial number; possession of a defaced firearm; possession of an assault firearm; three counts of possession of a shotgun; possession of a large capacity ammunition magazine; possession of brass knuckles; possession of a controlled dangerous substance and certain persons not to have weapons.

"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," Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. "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," Platkin said.

"The proliferation of illegal firearms, including ghost guns, poses a significant threat to the safety of our communities," said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "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."