From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Dec. 5 appointment of Dakisha “DK” Wesley as Asheville’s new city manager — starting Jan. 12 — “has drawn public attention because her husband, Ardemis Wesley Jr., recently pleaded guilty to illegal gambling activities,” according to AI Overview.

In July 2025, he reached a plea deal that resulted in the dismissal of “multiple charges related to operating an illegal gambling house. He pleaded guilty to a single count of misdemeanor gambling,” AI Overview noted on Dec. 20.. 

Ardemis Wesley Jr. “was initially cited in April 2024 for operating an illegal gambling house at 1145 Tunnel Road in East Asheville, where high-stakes poker games were hosted.

While originally accused of operating an illegal gambling house (including running poker games and providing alcohol) for more than two years, his four citations for operation were dismissed/forgiven, and he was granted a “prayer for judgment” for a single gambling count in a plea bargain.

DK Weslley, who was appointed city manager unanimously, by Asheville City Council, previously served as an assistant county manager for Buncombe County for six years. Her appointment followed a nationwide search and a final closed-session discussion by the council.

Regarding her appointment, AI Overview stated, “Asheville’s city manager is considered the most powerful position in city hall, overseeing day-to-day government operations. Residents can voice concerns or comments about the appointment to the Asheville City Council via email or by signing up to speak at upcoming meetings.”

As for her husband, Ardemis Wesley Jr., 49. of Arden, reasons for his aforementioned charge reduction were listed by AI Overview as follows:

• “Plea bargaining — Wesley struck a formal plea deal on July 30, 2025. As part of this agreement, the four citations specifically related to the operation and maintenance of the gambling house were dismissed.

• “Contested evidence — Wesley publicly maintained that he was wrongfully cited for running the establishment, claiming he was only a visitor who played poker there ‘once or twice.’

• “Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC): As part of the deal, he received a PJC for one year. This unique North Carolina legal mechanism allows a defendant to avoid a formal judgment or active sentence for a minor offense, provided they pay court costs and remain on good behavior.”

AI Overview added, “Wesley was initially charged with offenses including operating and keeping a gambling house, and possessing alcohol for sale without a permit. These charges were dismissed. He ultimately pleaded guilty to misdemeanor gambling.” 

The table below outlines the original charges compared to the final outcome: 

Original Charges   Final Outcome

Operating an illegal gambling houseDismissed

Keeping a gambling table                     Dismissed

Possessing alcohol for sale without a permitDismissed

Misdemeanor gambling (placing bets)   Plea of Guilty (PJC)

“While the maximum penalty for misdemeanor gambling can be 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine,” AI Overview noted, “Wesley paid court costs under $200.”