STAFFORD – Two Ocean County residents were indicted on charges for possessing and distributing illegal weapons and drugs, state officials said.
George Garulle, 56, of Beachwood, and Dana Restaino, 39, of Whiting, are charged with multiple weapons and drug offenses.
While searching several locations that were associated with Garulle and Restaino, law enforcement recovered and seized numerous guns, including “ghost guns” – privately made firearms with no serial number – extended magazines, and a quantity of methamphetamine.
According to authorities, the duo allegedly conspired to sell a defaced firearm with no serial number.
The indictment charges the defendants with one count each of 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 is also charged with additional counts of possession of a handgun (2nd degree); possession of a firearm without a serial number (3rd degree); possession of a defaced firearm (3rd degree); possession of an assault firearm (2nd degree); three counts of possession of a shotgun (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) and certain persons not to have weapons (2nd degree).
“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 Matthew J. 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.”
“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.”
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree offenses carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The Attorney General thanked the Stafford Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
Charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
