Alleged Facebook-Based Casino Operation

Police allege Facebook-based casino operation; suspect held without bond.

A former city council candidate and well-known community activist in Kinston, North Carolina, is facing new criminal charges following an investigation into an alleged online gambling operation, according to reports by WITN.

Police said Quarla Blackwell, 51, was arrested Tuesday and charged with four counts of money laundering and two counts of gambling. She was taken into custody at her home and is currently being held without bond.

Details of the Gambling Allegations

Investigators allege that Blackwell operated an illegal online casino through Facebook, promoting and facilitating server-based electronic games. Warrants describe the activities as wagering money or credits to initiate randomized spins of virtual reels or symbols, as well as operating digital “fish table” games in which players use virtual weapons or projectiles to target animated objects for winnings.

Authorities said Blackwell also promoted the games, which were accessed through online servers. Shortly after her arrest, an expletive-filled post appeared on her Facebook page, with one line stating, “As long as I’ve been playing on these fish tables now it’s a crime.”

Kinston police noted that the investigation remains ongoing.

Previous Legal Issues and Election Dispute

Blackwell has faced legal scrutiny before. In September, she was charged with perjury and swear falsely over disclosures filed during her candidacy for Kinston’s at-large city council seat. Warrants allege she reported that her rights had been restored as of 2025 when, according to police, they were not set to be restored until 2028.

She later filed an election protest seeking a new vote, claiming she had evidence of irregularities. The State Board of Elections reviewed her claims last week during a meeting in Raleigh and denied the request.

Police have not indicated whether additional charges are expected as the gambling investigation continues.