Lady Justice
Two Ocean County residents have been indicted on multiple charges related to illegal possession and distribution of firearms and drugs, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) announced today. George Garulle, 56, of Beachwood, and Dana Restaino, 39, of Whiting, face several weapons and drug offenses following an extensive investigation.
During the execution of court-authorized search warrants at multiple locations associated with the defendants, law enforcement seized a large number of firearms, including “ghost guns” (privately made firearms without serial numbers), extended magazines, and methamphetamine. The investigation also uncovered a conspiracy to sell a defaced firearm with no serial number. The operation was led by the New Jersey State Police’s Crime Suppression South Unit, in collaboration with the Stafford Township Police Department.
The indictment charges Garulle and Restaino with a range of offenses, including conspiracy, possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm without a serial number, possession of methamphetamine, and transportation of manufactured firearms without serial numbers. Specifically, Garulle faces additional charges, including possession of multiple handguns, assault firearms, shotguns, large capacity ammunition magazines, brass knuckles, and a controlled dangerous substance.
Attorney General Platkin commented on the importance of prosecuting gun crimes, stating, “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.” He emphasized the ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence, including the partnership with other states to hold irresponsible firearms manufacturers accountable.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of 5 to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree offenses can result in 3 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Fourth-degree charges could lead to a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by DCJ Deputy Attorney General Angela Cifelli, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Nicole Siano and Chief Cassandra Montalto.
Charges are merely accusations, and both Garulle and Restaino are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The Attorney General’s office expressed gratitude to the Stafford Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
