A large unlawful playing crackdown in Hitchcock, Texas, has resulted in 33 arrests, the seizure of a whole bunch of gaming machines, and the arrest of town’s sitting mayor after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as an organized felony operation unfold throughout 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 response to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace, the investigation was launched after officers obtained quite a few complaints from residents about illegal playing institutions working within the metropolis.
In an earlier assertion shared by the sheriff’s workplace on Fb, officers stated the warrants have been executed “on February 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.” and have been a part of “an in depth investigation into unlawful playing 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 “attributable to its regulatory tasks involving allowing, worker data, and inspections associated to those companies.” Residents have been instructed to count on “a heightened legislation enforcement presence within the space, together with personnel from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace and a number of aiding businesses.”
Officers additionally urged warning throughout the operation, asking the general public to “keep away from areas the place lively operations are underway” and warning folks to not cross police traces or intervene 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, legislation enforcement took Hitchcock Mayor Chris Armacost into custody. Jail data establish him as Christopher Armacost, 44. He’s charged with “Partaking in Organized Prison Exercise (FS),” a felony offense. Authorities burdened that “the person depicted right here has been arrested however not convicted on the time of this posting. This data doesn’t infer or suggest guilt of any actions or exercise aside from their arrest.”
In response to 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 state of affairs in a proper assertion dated Thursday (February 19). Metropolis officers confirmed they have been conscious of the legislation enforcement exercise, together with the search of Metropolis Corridor.
“The Metropolis of Hitchcock is totally 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 said: “The Metropolis takes these allegations very critically. We’re devoted to sustaining the very best requirements of integrity and public belief. We’ll proceed to help legislation enforcement in each means attainable whereas guaranteeing that important metropolis providers stay uninterrupted for our residents.”
With regards to the mayor’s case, town stated it has little extra it may well share for now. “As that is an lively felony 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 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 evaluation proof seized throughout 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 legal professional, Nicholas Poehl, who confirmed that Armacost’s first courtroom look is scheduled for March 20.
In an announcement offered to ReadWrite, Armacost stated he intends to combat the costs in courtroom and never within the media.
“Among the most vital rights granted to People by the Structure are the presumption of innocence and the best 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 College District had been implicated.
“This case can be resolved in courtroom, as is correct 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 felony exercise all through the county.
UPDATED: Further data from Nicholas Poehl and Christopher Armacost assertion added on February 20, 2026. The most recent press launch from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace was additionally added.
Featured picture: Galveston County Consortium
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