Published on: October 31, 2025, 10:48 AM.
Updated on: October 31, 2025, 11:02 AM.
- Authorities conducted a raid on a suspected illegal gambling venue in Kings Mountain.
- The suspected operation was located in a building shared with a place of worship.
- Commercial casinos are not allowed in North Carolina.
Law enforcement in Kings Mountain, NC claims that an illicit gambling operation was running in a building shared with a church.
The Kings Mountain Police Department (KMPD), alongside the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, recently executed a search warrant at a business labeled “Lucky Teeter’s.” This location is situated at 402 E. King St., Kings Mountain.
Law enforcement reported that the search resulted in 53 illegal gambling machines being confiscated, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. Brian Deion Lamerrel Mobley, 28, from Gastonia, and Natilya Nashaentya Shabrea Stewart, 21, from Harrisburg, were arrested and charged with operating the illegal gambling venue. The KMPD’s statement indicated that Mobley is a “Black male” and Stewart is a “Black female.”
The investigation into Lucky Teeter’s has been ongoing for approximately three months.
Community Insights
According to Kings Mountain police, the search warrant was issued following multiple tips from local residents suspecting illegal gambling activities within the brick structure on King Street.
The multi-unit building is also home to the Crimson Timbers Church, which moved to this address just in March, and a salon is another occupant of 402 E. King.
Lucky Teeters is located about four miles northeast of the Two Kings Casino, which operates legally. In North Carolina, casino operations are restricted to tribal gaming.
Just this week, the Catawba Nation celebrated the topping off of their 24-story hotel tower at the permanent Two Kings Casino Resort, which is located next to the current gaming facility. The tribe is investing $1 billion in partnership with Delaware North for this development.
North Carolina houses two additional tribal casinos: Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The KMPD indicates that the investigation into Lucky Teeters is ongoing. The public is urged to share any further tips or insights regarding the operation by dialing 704-734-0444. Anonymous reports may also be submitted through Cleveland County Crime Stoppers at 704-481-TIPS.
In North Carolina, individuals convicted of illegal gambling operations typically face a Class 2 misdemeanor, which can lead to a maximum of 60 days in jail. Repeat offenders may face felony charges, resulting in potential five-year prison sentences.
Unfortunate Fortune
Lucky Teeter’s was not particularly discreet about its operations. A sign featuring “lucky” in green and “teeter’s” in black was prominently displayed.
Residents of North Carolina are quite familiar with the term “teeter,” as the grocery chain Harris Teeter originated in Mooresville nearly seven decades ago. Today, Harris Teeter remains headquartered in North Carolina and is currently owned by Kroger.
Harris Teeter was established in 1960 by William Harris and Willis Teeter, who merged their businesses formed during the Great Depression: a pharmacy called Harris Drugs and Teeters Food Mart.