TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Ezra Wheeler, 27, of Brick Township, has been sentenced to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison for narcotics distribution, following his guilty plea in connection with a 2023 investigation, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced Friday.
Wheeler was sentenced by Judge David M. Fritch on September 13, 2024, after pleading guilty in July to possession of more than half an ounce but less than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute. The charges stemmed from a narcotics investigation conducted by the Brick Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit.
On June 8, 2023, detectives observed Wheeler leaving a residence on Coventry Court and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Wheeler was found in possession of 18 grams of cocaine and was arrested without incident.
Shortly after the arrest, detectives executed a court-authorized search warrant at the Coventry Court residence, seizing an additional 100 grams of cocaine and $19,300 in cash.
Wheeler was initially transported to the Ocean County Jail and later released under New Jersey Bail Reform guidelines. He will now serve a 10-year sentence for his involvement in the distribution operation.