Kinston police arrest former council candidate in alleged Facebook gambling investigation

The Kinston Police Department announced its Violent Crime Action Team has concluded a months-long investigation into what authorities described as a illegal online gambling operation conducted via Facebook.

According to a statement reported by the department, detectives arrested Quarla Blackwell, 51, at her residence in North Carolina Tuesday (December 23) without incident. Police said Blackwell faces four counts of money laundering and two counts of gambling. The department added that the investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible.

In another social media post, an account claiming to belong to Blackwell shared a video Tuesday showing police vehicles stopping in front of a residence where she was present. The same account later indicated that she had spent two days in prison. In a written article, she said: “As long as I play on these fish tables, it’s a crime. » Fish table games are a type of casino game in which players take control of a cannon, aim, shoot and attempt to catch as many fish as possible.

Police have not commented on the video or the statements attributed to Blackwell. Authorities stressed that the charges were allegations and that the matter would be taken to court. Blackwell is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Former city council candidate faces gambling charges in Kinston Facebook investigation

According to Gaming AmericaBlackwell is a former city council candidate and well-known community activist. It has already been the subject of legal review. In September, she was charged with perjury in connection with disclosures filed during her bid for the Kinston City Council seat. The warrants allege she said her rights were restored starting in 2025, while police say they are not expected to be restored until 2028.

Blackwell then filed an election protest demanding a re-vote, claiming she had evidence of irregularities. The State Board of Elections reviewed his claims last week at a meeting in Raleigh and rejected the claim.

Featured Image: Kinston Police Department via Facebook

The position Kinston police arrest former council candidate in alleged Facebook gambling investigation appeared first on ReadWrite.

Source link