Robeson County Man Pled Guilty to Illegal Gambling Charges

RALEIGH – On November 2, 2020 Keaton Chamers Oxendine, age 26, of Robeson County, pled guilty to aiding and abetting an illegal gambling business in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1955 and 2. 

According to the indictment, from in or around 2018, and continuing up to on or about July 23, 2018, Oxendine did unlawfully conspire with others to conduct an illegal gambling business involving video gambling devices and slot machines, in violation of the laws of the State of North Carolina, to wit, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14‑306.4 (sweepstakes through entertaining display), § 14‑306.1A (video gaming machines), and § 14-292 (gambling).  The illegal gambling business allegedly managed by Oxendine involved five or more persons, remained in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days, and had a gross revenue exceeding $2,000.00 in any single day.

Oxendine faces a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. 

Robert J. Higdon, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. Department of Homeland Security, North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (NC ALE), and the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan A. Ontjes is prosecuting the case.

# # #

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.