A Toms River man has admitted to multiple drug distribution and related charges stemming from two separate narcotics investigations conducted in 2025, the Ocean County Prosecutor announced today.

Phillip Tarver, 41, pleaded guilty on July 6 before Judge Guy P. Ryan to multiple charges, including possession of more than one-half ounce but less than five ounces of cocaine with intent to distribute, financial facilitation, and eluding.

Under the plea agreement, prosecutors will recommend an aggregate sentence of 15 years in New Jersey State Prison when Tarver is sentenced on September 11.

According to prosecutors, the first investigation began on January 21, 2025, when detectives with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force were conducting surveillance during an undercover cocaine investigation. Detectives observed Tarver meeting with another suspect before he was stopped by Toms River police on Route 37. Authorities later recovered approximately 110 grams of crack cocaine, pills, a knife, and roughly $5,300 in cash.

A second investigation on August 12, 2025, led to additional charges after Tarver allegedly fled from officers attempting to stop his vehicle on the Garden State Parkway. During the pursuit, investigators say he threw items from the vehicle, which were later recovered and found to contain approximately 21 grams of cocaine. Tarver was ultimately arrested in Barnegat Township and was found with approximately $10,000 in cash. He has remained lodged in the Ocean County Jail since that arrest.

Tarver’s co-defendant, Keith Morse, previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 21.

Prosecutor Billhimer commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Toms River Police Department, and the numerous assisting law enforcement agencies for their work during the investigations.