Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on June 15, 2026, Keith Morse, 38, of Toms River, pled guilty before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., to Possession of More than One-Half Ounce but Less than Five Ounces of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute in connection with a series of incidents that occurred between November 2024 and February 2025 in Toms River. At the time of his sentencing on August 21, 2026, the State will be seeking a term of 10 years New Jersey State Prison.
During the course of an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Toms River Township Police Department, Brick Township Police Department, Seaside Heights Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department, and South Toms River Police Department, Morse sold cocaine to an undercover detective on several occasions. The total amount of cocaine sold exceeded one-half ounce. Detectives also identified a residence on Walnut Street in Toms River as being utilized by Morse to store and distribute cocaine.
On February 6, 2025, Detectives established surveillance on Morse and observed him entering a residence in Toms River. Morse was thereafter taken into custody at the residence without incident. Subsequent to Morse’s arrest, Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department executed a court-authorized search warrant on the residence. As a result, Detectives seized additional quantities of cocaine along with materials indicative of illegal drug distribution. Morse was charged accordingly, transported to the Ocean County Jail and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.
Charges against Morse’s co-defendant, Philip Tarver, remain pending.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Stephen Burke who is handling the case on behalf of the State and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Emergency Services Unit, Toms River Township Police K-9 Unit, Brick Township Police Department, South Toms River Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, and Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.