The Kinston Police Division introduced that its Violent Crime Motion Group has concluded a months-long investigation into what authorities described as an illegal online gambling operation carried out by Fb.
Based on a statement posted by the division, detectives took 51-year-old Quarla Blackwell into custody at her residence in North Carolina on Tuesday (December 23) with out incident. Police mentioned Blackwell faces 4 counts of cash laundering and two counts of playing. The division added that the investigation stays ongoing and that further prices are attainable.
In a separate social media submit, an account claiming to belong to Blackwell shared a video Tuesday exhibiting police automobiles pulling up in entrance of a residence the place she was current. The identical account later acknowledged that she had spent two days in jail. In a written submit, she mentioned, “So long as I’ve been taking part in on these fish tables now it’s against the law.” Fish desk video games are a sort of on line casino sport, the place gamers take management of a cannon, goal, shoot, and attempt to catch as many fish as attainable.
Police haven’t commented on the video or the statements attributed to Blackwell. Authorities pressured that the costs are allegations and that the case will proceed by the courtroom system. Blackwell is presumed harmless except and till confirmed responsible in a courtroom of regulation.
Former metropolis council candidate faces playing prices in Kinston Fb probe
Based on Gambling America, Blackwell is a former metropolis council candidate and well-known neighborhood activist. She has confronted authorized scrutiny earlier than. In September, she was charged with perjury in reference to disclosures filed throughout her run for Kinston’s at-large metropolis council seat. Warrants allege she reported that her rights had been restored as of 2025, when police say they weren’t scheduled to be restored till 2028.
Blackwell later filed an election protest looking for a brand new vote, saying she had proof of irregularities. The State Board of Elections reviewed her claims final week throughout a gathering in Raleigh and denied the request.
Featured picture: Kinston Police Division through Fb
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