*Update*
Blackwell turned herself in to law enforcement. She was released on an unsecured bond.
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On September 19, 2025, the Kinston Police Department’s Investigations Division initiated an investigation into Quarla Blackwell, 51, of Kinston. The investigation stemmed from a complaint regarding a formal protest regarding Blackwell’s eligibility to run for an at-large seat on the Kinston City Council.
The protest alleged that Blackwell was ineligible to serve due to being on probation for a felony conviction. Detectives determined that Blackwell had misrepresented her probation status in order to qualify as a candidate. By knowingly submitting false information on her election paperwork, Blackwell committed perjury when swearing to the accuracy of those documents.
On September 30, 2025, detectives obtained warrants charging Blackwell with Perjury and Swearing Falsely. All attempts to locate Blackwell have been unsuccessful.
Please use caution - Blackwell has a history of assaults (including against Law Enforcement).
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020, Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444, or through the KPD iWITNESS available on our website. Calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and anonymous, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.