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 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 Pressure 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 Workplace, the investigation was launched after officers acquired 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 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 “resulting from its regulatory tasks involving allowing, worker data, and inspections associated to those companies.” Residents have been advised 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 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 folks to not cross police strains 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 determine him as Christopher Armacost, 44. He’s charged with “Participating in Organized Prison Exercise (FS),” a felony offense. Authorities pressured 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 apart 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 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 absolutely cooperating with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace and the Galveston County Organized Crime Process 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 data, inspection experiences, and personnel information to make sure a radical and swift decision,” Gelles mentioned.
She said: “The Metropolis takes these allegations very critically. We’re devoted to sustaining the very best requirements of integrity and public belief. We are going to proceed to help legislation enforcement in each method doable whereas guaranteeing that important metropolis providers stay uninterrupted for our residents.”
In terms of the mayor’s case, town mentioned it has little extra it could share for now. “As that is an lively felony matter, the Metropolis can’t present additional touch upon particular particulars of the case presently,” the assertion added.
Armacost serves as Hitchcock’s elected mayor, presiding over council conferences and performing 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 overview proof seized through the operation, together with paperwork taken from Metropolis Corridor, and warned that extra arrests are probably 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 a press release supplied to ReadWrite, Armacost mentioned he intends to battle the costs in court docket and never within the media.
“A number of the most essential rights granted to Individuals by the Structure are the presumption of innocence and the precise to confront your accusers in court docket,” Armacost mentioned. He added that he was charged “as a non-public citizen and enterprise proprietor” and mentioned neither his function as mayor nor his work with Hitchcock Impartial Faculty District had been implicated.
“This case will likely be resolved in court docket, as is true 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 felony exercise all through the county.
UPDATED: Further info 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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