By: Richard L. Smith
A month-long investigation into drug distribution in Ocean County led to multiple arrests, according to information released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. 
Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force worked alongside police departments from Toms River, Brick Township, Seaside Heights, Stafford Township, and South Toms River to track illegal narcotics activity in the area.
Authorities identified a residence on Walnut Street in Toms River as a location used by Keith Morse, 20, of Toms River, to store and distribute crack cocaine.
On January 21, 2025, detectives surveilling the home observed Morse meet with Phillip Tarver, 41, also of Toms River. Officers later stopped Tarver’s vehicle on Route 37, where a police K-9 detected narcotics.
A search of the vehicle uncovered crack cocaine, pills, a knife, and approximately $5,300 in cash.
Tarver was arrested and taken to the Ocean County Jail, where authorities found an additional 110 grams of crack cocaine in his possession.
He was later released due to New Jersey Bail Reform.
On February 6, 2025, detectives again placed Morse under surveillance and took him into custody after he was seen entering another residence in Toms River. A subsequent search of the home uncovered more cocaine and evidence of drug distribution.
Dominique Swain, 28, of Toms River, who was present at the time, was also arrested.
Investigators also identified Alexis Johnson, 27, of Lakewood, as a suspected associate of Morse.
Officers stopped Johnson’s vehicle in Seaside Heights on the same day and arrested both her and a passenger, Laneah Shade, 18, of Bayville.
A search revealed Johnson was in possession of cocaine and Percocet tablets.
Morse faces multiple charges, including distribution and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, conspiracy, possession of drug paraphernalia, and endangering the welfare of a child, as a minor was present during narcotics transactions.
He remains in the Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing. 
Tarver, Johnson, Swain, and Shade all face various drug-related charges. While Tarver and Johnson were released under New Jersey Bail Reform, Swain and Shade were processed and are awaiting court appearances in Ocean County Superior Court.