An enormous unlawful playing crackdown in Hitchcock, Texas, has resulted in 33 arrests, the seizure of a whole lot of gaming machines, and the arrest of town’s sitting mayor after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as an organized prison 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. Based on 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 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 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 obligations involving allowing, worker data, and inspections associated to those companies.” Residents had been instructed to anticipate “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 in the course of the operation, asking the general public to “keep away from areas the place energetic operations are underway” and warning folks 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, legislation enforcement took Hitchcock Mayor Chris Armacost into custody. Jail data determine him as Christopher Armacost, 44. He’s charged with “Partaking in Organized Felony Exercise (FS),” a felony offense. Authorities confused 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.”
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 had 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 staff obtainable to investigators. “Our administration is dedicated to finish transparency and is offering investigators with all requested entry to allowing data, inspection stories, and personnel information to make sure an intensive and swift decision,” Gelles stated.
She said: “The Metropolis takes these allegations very severely. 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 guaranteeing that important metropolis providers stay uninterrupted for our residents.”
Relating to the mayor’s case, town stated it has little extra it will possibly share for now. “As that is an energetic prison 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 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 in the course of 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 an announcement supplied to ReadWrite, Armacost stated he intends to combat the costs in court docket and never within the media.
“Among the most necessary rights granted to People 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 Impartial Faculty District had been implicated.
“This case will likely 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 prison 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