An enormous unlawful playing crackdown in Hitchcock, Texas, has resulted in 33 arrests, the seizure of lots of of gaming machines, and the arrest of the town’s sitting mayor after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as an organized felony operation unfold throughout the town.
Investigators with the Galveston County Organized Crime Job Power carried out 21 search warrants in Hitchcock on February 18. The coordinated effort included a number of suspected recreation 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 had been executed “on February 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.” and had been a part of “an intensive investigation into unlawful playing operations.” Authorities added that deputies served warrants “at 20 separate areas 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 “resulting from its regulatory obligations involving allowing, worker information, and inspections associated to those companies.” Residents had been informed 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 aiding companies.”
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 traces 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 information determine him as Christopher Armacost, 44. He’s charged with “Partaking in Organized Felony Exercise (FS),” a felony offense. Authorities careworn that “the person depicted right here has been arrested however not convicted on the time of this posting. This info doesn’t infer or suggest guilt of any actions or exercise apart 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 scenario in a proper assertion 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 Job Power as they conduct their investigation into unlawful playing operations,” the assertion stated.
Metropolis Supervisor Marie Gelles stated employees members are turning over paperwork and making staff out there to investigators. “Our administration is dedicated to finish transparency and is offering investigators with all requested entry to allowing information, inspection reviews, and personnel recordsdata to make sure a radical and swift decision,” Gelles stated.
She acknowledged: “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 regulation enforcement in each approach potential whereas guaranteeing that important metropolis companies stay uninterrupted for our residents.”
On the subject of the mayor’s case, the town stated it has little extra it may possibly share for now. “As that is an lively felony matter, the Metropolis can not present additional touch upon particular particulars of the case right now,” the assertion added.
Armacost serves as Hitchcock’s elected mayor, presiding over council conferences and performing 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 overview proof seized in the course of the operation, together with paperwork taken from Metropolis Corridor, and warned that further arrests are possible because the investigation progresses.
ReadWrite reached out to Armacost’s legal professional, Nicholas Poehl, who confirmed that Armacost’s first court docket look is scheduled for March 20.
In an announcement supplied to ReadWrite, Armacost stated he intends to struggle the fees in court docket and never within the media.
“Among the most vital rights granted to Individuals by the Structure are the presumption of innocence and the appropriate to confront your accusers in court docket,” Armacost stated. He added that he was charged “as a personal citizen and enterprise proprietor” and stated neither his function as mayor nor his work with Hitchcock Unbiased College District had been implicated.
“This case can be resolved in court docket, 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 felony 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
