ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – On Friday, a grand jury in Atlantic County indicted John Garman, 38, and Donna Shiffler, 39, both residents of Somers Point, on multiple serious charges related to narcotics trafficking. Garman faces charges including first-degree leader of a narcotics trafficking network, possession with intent to distribute controlled dangerous substances (CDS), maintaining a CDS production facility, employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime, conspiring to distribute CDS, conspiring to maintain a CDS production facility, money laundering, and conspiring to commit money laundering.
Shiffler, on the other hand, is indicted on charges that include possession with intent to distribute CDS, maintaining a CDS production facility, employing a juvenile in the commission of a crime, conspiring to distribute CDS, conspiring to maintain a CDS production facility, money laundering, and conspiring to commit money laundering.
The couple was initially arrested on May 25, 2023, following a joint narcotics investigation conducted by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office’s Gangs, Guns, & Narcotics Unit, Somers Point Police Department, and the DEA HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Mid-Atlantic Task Force.
During the arrest, it was discovered that Garman and Shiffler allegedly operated a narcotics manufacturing facility within their Somers Point apartment, where they resided with their three minor children, aged 14, 12, and 7. Authorities found substantial amounts of controlled dangerous substances within their household, including approximately 62 pounds of hashish, 42 pounds of marijuana, and 2 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms. Packaging materials, labels, and business cards under the name “Garmans Goods” were also seized. An estimated $119,000 in US currency, suspected proceeds from illegal narcotics distribution, was confiscated.
Further investigations unveiled digital evidence suggesting that the couple constantly communicated about drug sales from their residence. Messages spanning over a year revealed that Garman and Shiffler allegedly used their 14-year-old son to prepare, package, and sell drugs, compensating him with marijuana and THC gummies.
The defendants’ Facebook account, “Garman’s Goods,” provided thousands of digital communications showing their drug trafficking network’s supply to hundreds of citizens in the Atlantic County community. They reportedly distributed marijuana, THC products, and psilocybin mushrooms in public locations, including recreation fields, shopping centers, and drug-free school zones.
Based on the additional evidence and charges, the defendants were rearrested on August 3, 2023. Detention hearings are scheduled for August 9, 2023, and they will remain in custody at the Atlantic County Justice Facility until then. The seriousness of the charges indicates the severity of the alleged crimes and underscores the importance of holding those involved accountable for their actions.