A Toms River man has pleaded guilty to multiple narcotics distribution, eluding, and financial facilitation charges stemming from two separate investigations.

Phillip Tarver, 41, entered guilty pleas on July 6 before Judge Guy P. Ryan in connection with incidents that occurred in Toms River on January 21, 2025, and August 12, 2025. Prosecutors will seek a total sentence of 15 years in New Jersey State Prison when Tarver is sentenced on September 11.

The first investigation began in January 2025 when detectives conducting an undercover cocaine investigation observed Tarver meeting with another suspect. Following a traffic stop on Route 37, authorities recovered pills, a knife, approximately $5,300 in cash, and later discovered about 110 grams of crack cocaine on Tarver during processing at the Ocean County Jail. He was initially released under New Jersey’s bail reform law.

In a separate investigation in August 2025, detectives attempted to stop Tarver on the Garden State Parkway. Authorities said he fled while throwing items from his vehicle before leading officers on a reckless pursuit through South Toms River. Investigators recovered approximately 21 grams of cocaine that had been discarded, and Tarver was later arrested without incident in Barnegat Township. He was also found carrying approximately $10,000 in cash and has remained jailed since that arrest.

Tarver’s co-defendant, Keith Morse, pleaded guilty in June to cocaine distribution charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21.

The investigation involved the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Asset Forfeiture Unit, along with the Toms River Township Police Department and multiple local and county law enforcement agencies.