A month-long investigation into illegal drug distribution in Ocean County has led to multiple arrests and significant narcotics seizures, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced. The probe, conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force in collaboration with multiple local police departments, focused on a residence in Toms River used as a distribution hub.
The coordinated investigation identified a Walnut Street residence in Toms River as a drug distribution site operated by Keith Morse, 20, of Toms River. Authorities placed the home under surveillance and, on January 21, 2025, observed Morse interacting with Phillip Tarver, 41, also of Toms River.
Detectives trailed Tarver as he drove through Toms River before Toms River Police officers stopped his vehicle on Route 37. A police K-9 unit detected narcotics in the car, prompting officers to tow the vehicle and obtain a search warrant. Upon searching the vehicle, investigators seized crack cocaine, pills, a knife, and approximately $5,300 in cash.
Tarver was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where a further search uncovered approximately 110 grams of crack cocaine. He faces multiple drug-related charges, including possession and distribution of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, financial facilitation, and possessing a firearm during a drug offense. Tarver was later released under New Jersey Bail Reform guidelines.
On February 6, 2025, detectives again surveilled Morse and arrested him at another residence in Toms River. A subsequent court-authorized search of the home led to the seizure of additional cocaine and drug distribution materials. Also present at the time of the search was Dominique Swain, 28, of Toms River, who was taken into custody without incident.
During the investigation, authorities also identified Alexis Johnson, 27, of Lakewood, as being in possession of cocaine. Later that day, detectives conducted a motor vehicle stop in Seaside Heights, where Johnson and her passenger, Laneah Shade, 18, of Bayville, were arrested. A search revealed Johnson to be in possession of cocaine and Percocet tablets.
Morse faces charges including possession and distribution of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and endangering the welfare of a child, as a minor was present during drug transactions. He remains in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Johnson is charged with possession and distribution of cocaine, possession of Percocet, and conspiracy to distribute. She was released under New Jersey Bail Reform.
Swain faces charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was processed and served with charges via summons, pending her first court appearance.
Shade was charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was also processed and released on a summons.