An enormous unlawful playing crackdown in Hitchcock, Texas, has resulted in 33 arrests, the seizure of tons of of gaming machines, and the arrest of the town’s sitting mayor after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as an organized legal operation unfold throughout the town.
Investigators with the Galveston County Organized Crime Process Power carried out 21 search warrants in Hitchcock on February 18. The coordinated effort included a number of suspected sport rooms and, notably, Metropolis Corridor. In line with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation was launched after officers obtained quite a few complaints from residents about illegal playing institutions working within the metropolis.
In an earlier statement shared by the sheriff’s workplace on Fb, officers stated the warrants had been executed “on February 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.” and had been a part of “an in depth investigation into illegal gambling operations.” Authorities added that deputies served warrants “at 20 separate places believed to be working illegal playing institutions.”
Metropolis Corridor was among the many properties searched. The sheriff’s workplace defined that the Metropolis of Hitchcock was included “because of its regulatory duties involving allowing, worker data, and inspections associated to those companies.” Residents had been advised to count on “a heightened regulation enforcement presence within the space, together with personnel from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace and a number of helping businesses.”
Officers additionally urged warning in the course of the operation, asking the general public to “keep away from areas the place lively operations are underway” and warning individuals to not cross police strains or intrude with investigators.
The sheriff’s workplace later introduced that the operation led to 33 arrests, the seizure of 749 playing machines, and the confiscation of greater than $417,000 in money believed to be tied to unlawful playing exercise.
After the searches wrapped up, regulation enforcement took Hitchcock Mayor Chris Armacost into custody. Jail records determine him as Christopher Armacost, 44. He’s charged with “Partaking in Organized Prison Exercise (FS),” a felony offense. Authorities harassed that “the person depicted right here has been arrested however not convicted on the time of this posting. This info doesn’t infer or indicate guilt of any actions or exercise aside from their arrest.”
In line with the sheriff’s workplace, investigators decided that one of many playing institutions focused within the operation, Consolation Zone Washateria, was owned and operated by Armacost.
Metropolis of Hitchcock responds to playing investigation following mayor arrest
The Metropolis of Hitchcock addressed the scenario in a proper statement dated Thursday (February 19). Metropolis officers confirmed they had been conscious of the regulation enforcement exercise, together with the search of Metropolis Corridor.
“The Metropolis of Hitchcock is absolutely cooperating with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace and the Galveston County Organized Crime Process Power as they conduct their investigation into unlawful playing operations,” the assertion stated.
Metropolis Supervisor Marie Gelles stated workers members are turning over paperwork and making workers obtainable to investigators. “Our administration is dedicated to finish transparency and is offering investigators with all requested entry to allowing data, inspection studies, and personnel recordsdata to make sure an intensive and swift decision,” Gelles stated.
She acknowledged: “The Metropolis takes these allegations very significantly. We’re devoted to sustaining the very best requirements of integrity and public belief. We’ll proceed to help regulation enforcement in each approach potential whereas guaranteeing that important metropolis providers stay uninterrupted for our residents.”
In terms of the mayor’s case, the town stated it has little extra it may possibly share for now. “As that is an lively legal matter, the Metropolis can not present additional touch upon particular particulars of the case at the moment,” the assertion added.
Armacost serves as Hitchcock’s elected mayor, presiding over council conferences and appearing as the town’s chief elected consultant. Metropolis officers stated they’re reviewing “all authorized and administrative protocols” related to the matter.
The sheriff’s workplace stated detectives are persevering with to assessment proof seized in the course of the operation, together with paperwork taken from Metropolis Corridor, and warned that extra arrests are possible because the investigation progresses.
ReadWrite reached out to Armacost’s lawyer, Nicholas Poehl, who confirmed that Armacost’s first courtroom look is scheduled for March 20.
In a press release offered to ReadWrite, Armacost stated he intends to struggle the costs in courtroom and never within the media.
“A number of the most vital rights granted to Individuals by the Structure are the presumption of innocence and the correct to confront your accusers in courtroom,” Armacost stated. He added that he was charged “as a personal citizen and enterprise proprietor” and stated neither his position as mayor nor his work with Hitchcock Impartial Faculty District had been implicated.
“This case will probably be resolved in courtroom, as is true and correct,” he stated.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace stated the investigation stays ongoing and reiterated its dedication to dismantling unlawful playing operations and arranged legal exercise all through the county.
UPDATED: Extra info from Nicholas Poehl and Christopher Armacost assertion added on February 20, 2026. The newest press launch from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace was additionally added.
Featured picture: Galveston County Consortium
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