Money Laundering and Gambling Charges Against Community Activist

An investigation into online gambling has resulted in the arrest of a local community activist and former candidate for city council, 51-year-old Quarla Blackwell.

Blackwell faces multiple charges including four counts of money laundering and two counts related to illegal gambling activities. Authorities reported that she was operating an unauthorized online casino using Facebook as a platform.

The Kinston police detained Blackwell at her residence, and no bail has been posted. Officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing and more developments are expected.

After her arrest, a message appeared on Blackwell’s social media account expressing her disbelief, stating, “As long as I’ve been playing on these fish tables now it’s a crime.”

The Operation of the Illegal Games

Legal documents describe the illegal games as server-based “fish games” where players bet or use credits to shoot at fish and other objects displayed on their screens with various weapons. In addition to this, an online game resembling virtual slot machines was also available to users who staked money or credits.

The warrants further revealed that Blackwell had been actively promoting the names of these online gambling servers.

Background of Quarla Blackwell

Blackwell previously sought a position on the Kinston City Council during the November municipal elections. This is not her first run-in with the law; in September 2025, she faced charges of perjury and false swearing related to statements made during her candidacy.

After turning herself in for those charges, Blackwell was released on an unsecured bond. She had claimed in her candidacy filing that her civil rights had been restored early in 2025, but police investigations revealed that this restoration is not expected until 2028.

Authorities concluded that Blackwell misunderstood the terms and duration of her probation period. She contested these findings by filing a protest to request a new election but was denied by the State Board of Elections.