Kinston’s Very Own Quarla Blackwell Arrested In Facebook Online Gambling BUST

KINSTON, N.C. — A familiar name in Kinston’s political drama is back in the headlines — and this time it’s not about an election protest.

Detectives with the Kinston Police Department’s Violent Crime Action Team (VCAT) have arrested 51-year-old Quarla Blackwell following a months-long investigation into an illegal online casino operation allegedly run through Facebook.

On December 23, 2025, investigators took Blackwell into custody at her Kinston residence without incident, bringing another chapter to an already controversial year for the former city council candidate.

WHO IS QUARLA BLACKWELL?

Blackwell is no stranger to public scrutiny in Lenoir County.

Earlier this year, she ran for an at-large Kinston City Council seat, a campaign that quickly turned contentious after opponents challenged her eligibility. At the time, Blackwell was a convicted felon on probation, prompting election protests and an investigation into whether she falsely swore to her qualifications on official paperwork.

That probe led to perjury and “swearing falsely” charges, which Blackwell publicly disputed, blaming election officials for alleged errors. 

Now, police say Blackwell’s involvement went far beyond city hall drama.

FACEBOOK CASINO OPERATION EXPOSED

According to KPD, Blackwell is accused of operating an illegal online gambling business through Facebook, allowing users to place bets and move money outside of North Carolina’s legal gaming framework.

As a result of the investigation, Blackwell now faces:

• 4 counts of Money Laundering

• 2 counts of Gambling

Police say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible as detectives continue reviewing financial records and online activity.