TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Five Ocean County residents were arrested and charged with narcotics offenses following a multi-agency investigation into drug distribution in the area, authorities said.
Update: As of 2/12/25 all arrested except for Morse have been released from jail, according to OC Jail records searches.
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force worked alongside multiple local police departments to identify a residence on Walnut Street in Toms River as a hub for crack cocaine distribution. Keith Morse, 20, of Toms River, was allegedly using the location to store and sell drugs, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
On Jan. 21, detectives conducted surveillance on the residence and observed Morse meeting with Phillip Tarver, 41, of Toms River. After following Tarver, officers stopped his vehicle on Route 37. A police K-9 unit detected narcotics in the car, leading to a search that uncovered crack cocaine, pills, a knife, and $5,300 in cash, authorities said. Upon arriving at the Ocean County Jail, Tarver was found with approximately 110 grams of crack cocaine hidden on him.
Tarver was charged with multiple drug offenses, including possession with intent to distribute, as well as weapons and financial facilitation charges. He was booked at Ocean County Jail but was later released under New Jersey Bail Reform.
Detectives continued surveillance on Morse and arrested him on Feb. 6 after observing him enter another residence in Toms River. A subsequent search of the home uncovered additional cocaine and drug distribution materials, prosecutors said. Also present at the time was Dominique Swain, 28, of Toms River, who was taken into custody.
Investigators also identified Morse’s associate, Alexis Johnson, 27, of Lakewood, as being in possession of cocaine. On Feb. 6, officers stopped her vehicle in Seaside Heights and arrested her and a passenger, Laneah Shade, 18, of Bayville. Authorities said Johnson was carrying cocaine and Percocet tablets at the time of her arrest.
Morse remains held at Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing, facing charges that include drug distribution, conspiracy, and endangering the welfare of a child, as a minor was allegedly present during narcotics transactions.
Johnson, Swain, and Shade were all charged with drug-related offenses. Johnson was released under bail reform, while Swain and Shade were served with charges and released pending court appearances.