Written by :
Published on :
A former Craven County, North Carolina commissioner is facing multiple criminal charges following a multi-agency investigation into illegal video gaming and gambling machines across the county.
Gregory Muse, 64, of New Bern, was charged Thursday after Alcohol Law Enforcement agents and local authorities executed search warrants at various locations throughout the county, including some tied to Muse.
Muse is charged with felony operation of five or more video gaming machines, continuing criminal enterprise, operating or possessing slot machines, manufacturing or selling slot machines and operating video gaming machines.
Beginning Dec. 13, 2024, and up to March 18, 2026, investigators say they found five or more illegal slot machines operating in violation of state law.
One warrant states Muse admitted ownership and demonstrated “care/custody/control” of the machines during an interview with agents on Dec. 16, 2024.
While in office, a 2018 North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission proceeding discussed Muse in connection with disputed “sweepstakes” machines operating at a New Bern grocery store. During that hearing, Muse defended the legality of the machines and acknowledged involvement through Eastern Amusement. The ABC minutes also noted he previously faced criminal charges tied to gaming machines in Craven County but was reportedly found not guilty at that time.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
