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 legal operation unfold throughout town.
Investigators with the Galveston County Organized Crime Activity Pressure carried out 21 search warrants in Hitchcock on February 18. The coordinated effort included a number of suspected recreation rooms and, notably, Metropolis Corridor. Based on 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 mentioned 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 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 “as a result of its regulatory tasks involving allowing, worker information, and inspections associated to those companies.” Residents have been informed 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 helping companies.”
Officers additionally urged warning through 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 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 information establish him as Christopher Armacost, 44. He’s charged with “Participating in Organized Legal 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 data doesn’t infer or indicate guilt of any actions or exercise apart from their arrest.”
Based on 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 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 Activity Pressure as they conduct their investigation into unlawful playing operations,” the assertion mentioned.
Metropolis Supervisor Marie Gelles mentioned workers 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 stories, and personnel recordsdata to make sure a radical and swift decision,” Gelles mentioned.
She acknowledged: “The Metropolis takes these allegations very critically. We’re devoted to sustaining the best requirements of integrity and public belief. We’ll proceed to help legislation enforcement in each method potential whereas making certain that important metropolis providers stay uninterrupted for our residents.”
In relation to the mayor’s case, town mentioned it has little extra it may possibly share for now. “As that is an lively legal matter, the Metropolis can’t 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 appearing as town’s chief elected consultant. Metropolis officers mentioned they’re reviewing “all authorized and administrative protocols” related to the matter.
The sheriff’s workplace mentioned detectives are persevering with to evaluate proof seized through the operation, together with paperwork taken from Metropolis Corridor, and warned that extra arrests are doubtless 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 a press release supplied to ReadWrite, Armacost mentioned 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 suitable to confront your accusers in courtroom,” Armacost mentioned. He added that he was charged “as a non-public citizen and enterprise proprietor” and mentioned 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 mentioned.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace mentioned the investigation stays ongoing and reiterated its dedication to dismantling unlawful playing operations and arranged legal exercise all through the county.
UPDATED: Extra data 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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