MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Warren County Prosecutor James L. Pfeiffer, and Denville Chief of Police Frank Perna confirmed the arrest of Joseph Palumbo Jr., 33, of Columbia on charges related to the unlawful manufacturing and sales of firearms without serial numbers, more commonly known as ghost guns, in Morris and Warren Counties.

Palumbo Jr. is alleged to have carried out the illegal manufacture and sale of ghost guns between December 2023 and February 2024. Specifically, he is alleged to have sold these ghost guns, the majority of which are alleged to be assault firearms, during this timeframe in Morris and Warren County. The sales involved one homemade handgun without a serial number, five homemade AR platformed assault firearms without serial numbers, and two large-capacity magazines. Palumbo Jr. was taken into custody following a motor vehicle stop on February 8.

During the subsequent execution of a search warrant on Palumbo Jr.’s Columbia residence, an alleged ghost gun manufacturing facility was located in the basement. Searches were also conducted at the defendant’s barbershop in Netcong and his vehicle. As a result of these searches, two additional homemade AR platformed assault firearms without serial numbers, approximately 36 additional firearms consisting of assault firearms and handguns, numerous firearms components used to manufacture firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and approximately three firearm silencers were seized.

Palumbo Jr. has been charged with:

• Four counts of Certain Persons Not to Possess a Firearm, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-7(b) (1), a crime of second degree.

• Seven counts of Unlawful Possession of an Assault Firearm in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-5(f), a crime of the second degree.

• Eight counts of Transporting a Manufactured Firearm Without a Serial Number in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-9(n), a crime of the second degree.

• One count of Conspiracy to Manufacture and Transport Firearms Without Serial Numbers, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2 and N.J.S. 2C:39-9(n), a crime of the second degree.

• One count of Purchasing Firearm Parts to Manufacture a Firearm Without a Permit, violating N.J.S. 2C:39-9(k), a crime of the second degree.

• One count of Child Endangerment, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:24-4(a)(2), a crime of the second degree.

• Eight counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Without a Serial Number, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-3(n), a crime of the third degree.

• One count of Unlawful Possession of a large-capacity ammunition Magazine, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-3(j), a crime of the fourth degree.

• One count of Manufacture, Transport, and Disposition of Large Capacity Magazines, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-9(h), a crime of the fourth degree.

• One count of Manufacture, Transport, and Disposition of Firearm Silencers, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:39-9(c), a crime of the fourth degree.

As a result of this investigation, Monica D. Scaglione, 30, of Columbia, was also charged with one count of Child Neglect in violation of N.J.S. 9:6-3, a crime of the fourth degree after it was determined that minor children reside in Palumbo Jr. and Scaglione’s shared home, where an abundance of unsecured firearms and ammunition were located and seized.

Under the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Palumbo Jr. has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings. Scaglione was charged on a summons complaint, processed, and released pending a court appearance.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the following agencies for their hard work and dedication during this investigation: The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, consisting of the Roxbury Township Police Department, the Town of Boonton Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Denville Police Department, Warren County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Taskforce, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor under the NJ Attorney General’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (BATF) and its taskforce officers, which include Immigration and Customs Enforcement specifically, the office of ERO under the supervision of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris, and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP).

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PARSIPPANY — During a DUI stop on Saturday, February 17, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Denville Township Police apprehended a man wanted on a warrant from Denville Township. The police had pulled over a vehicle on Route 10 for a “maintenance of lamps” violation, as its rear license plate lights were not functioning.

Subsequent investigation revealed the driver to be Jose Cardona-Ramirez, 29, from Parsippany-Troy Hills. Allegedly, Cardona-Ramirez was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Following his apprehension, it was uncovered that Cardona-Ramirez had an outstanding warrant from Denville Township Municipal Court. He now faces a litany of charges, including DUI, careless driving, reckless driving, driving without a license, maintenance of lamps violation, and contempt of court.

Unable to meet bail requirements, Cardona-Ramirez was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PARSIPPANY — A homeowner on Stephen Terrace noticed two of his landscape lights were missing from his front lawn.

Upon viewing his video surveillance footage, he observed a male wearing a blue jacket remove the lights. The male suspect took one light on February 7 at 2:17 p.m., and the same male suspect took the second on February 8 at 2:46 p.m.

The homeowner advised the reporting officer that he observed the male park, which appeared to be a mini-van, up the street from the victim’s home and paced back and forth before stealing the light.

The incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Parsippany Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4300.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Recover Stolen Vehicle at Rutgers Village Apartments During a routine property check at 2 Rutgers Lane on February 7, 2024, 9:52 a.m.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Cavaliere was alerted by the Property Manager to a 2018 Silver Chevy Camaro parked in the lot for approximately three months without movement.

Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from Franklin Township. The incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Parsippany Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4300.

PARSIPPANY — On February 5th, 2024, at 4:45 a.m., a burglary to an automobile occurred. A resident of Lake Shore Drive in Lake Parsippany discovered that her 2022 Silver Ford Eco Sport had been ransacked.

Upon reviewing surveillance footage, she witnessed an unidentified male wearing a hooded jacket, face covering, and gloves enter her unlocked vehicle.

The suspect absconded with only $0.75 inside the vehicle before departing the scene on foot. Further details about the suspect were not provided. The incident is currently under investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Parsippany Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4300.

PARSIPPANY — Reminder: Saturday, February 17, 2024, marks the Annual Fire Department Election. Please cast your vote to support the local budget for our 100% Volunteer Fire Department; vote for Commissioners and other items that will affect your local fire district.

Polling stations will be open from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at your neighborhood fire department.

PARSIPPANY — On Friday, February 9, at 11:15 p.m., Mr. Robert Hays, aged 61, was traveling north on Parsippany Road (near Freneau Road) with Mr. Adrian Louis, aged 26, directly behind him. Mr. Hays suddenly applied his brakes as a vehicle ahead of him immediately stopped. Mr. Louis, who was following too closely, attempted to stop but collided with the rear of Mr. Hays’ 2014 Toyota Corolla.

Mr. Louis was driving a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Both vehicles were subsequently towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and as of this report, no summonses had been issued.

PARSIPPANY — In a heartwarming Valentine’s Day tradition, students from Hubotics, a non-profit organization co-founded by Parsippany High School teenager Aarjun Bodade, dedicated their time to creating over 450 personalized cards for the town’s first responders this year. Joined by fourth-grade volunteers Raayan Bodade, Arjun Jadhav, William Bonfanti, Rishith Bhoopathi, Tvisha Singh, and Varun Shankar, they set out to express gratitude to the community’s police, fire departments, EMS, and rescue teams with heartfelt tokens of appreciation.

Continuing Hubotics’ tradition of honoring local heroes each Valentine’s Day, the students thanked Parsippany teachers last year. This year, their mission was to show appreciation for the tireless service of first responders who work diligently to keep Parsippany safe.

In total, the students crafted 450 cards for various departments, including the Parsippany Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Services such as the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance, as well as the Parsippany Rescue Squad and all six fire stations across different districts including Mt. Tabor, Rainbow Lakes, Lake Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, Old Bloomfield Ave, and Littleton Road. As they distributed their handmade creations across town, they were met with touching reactions from the surprised recipients.

A highlight for the students was an insightful tour of the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery team. Deputy Chief Andrew Ludwig and Lieutenant Nick Limanov led an engaging tour that gave the children a firsthand understanding of the technology and science behind the emergency response. Chief Paul Anderson’s thoughtful gesture and eagerness to learn about service deeply moved his team.

Through their annual Valentine’s Day tradition, the Hubotics students experienced the power of community and the importance of showing appreciation. Their cards and lessons on selflessness brought extra love to Parsippany’s heroes this February 14th.

To participate in future service projects or volunteer opportunities, visit Hubotics by clicking here.