A large unlawful playing crackdown in Hitchcock, Texas, has resulted in 33 arrests, the seizure of tons of of gaming machines, and the arrest of the town’s sitting mayor after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as an organized legal operation unfold throughout the town.
Investigators with the Galveston County Organized Crime Activity 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 “because of its regulatory obligations involving allowing, worker information, and inspections associated to those companies.” Residents had been informed 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 through the operation, asking the general public to “keep away from areas the place energetic operations are underway” and warning individuals 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 information determine him as Christopher Armacost, 44. He’s charged with “Partaking in Organized Legal 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 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 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 absolutely cooperating with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace and the Galveston County Organized Crime Activity 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 information, inspection experiences, and personnel recordsdata 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 attainable whereas guaranteeing that important metropolis companies stay uninterrupted for our residents.”
With regards to the mayor’s case, the town stated it has little extra it could share for now. “As that is an energetic legal 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 the town’s chief elected consultant. Metropolis officers stated they’re reviewing “all authorized and administrative protocols” linked to the matter.
The sheriff’s workplace stated detectives are persevering with to evaluate proof seized through the operation, together with paperwork taken from Metropolis Corridor, and warned that further 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 an announcement supplied to ReadWrite, Armacost stated he intends to combat the fees in courtroom and never within the media.
“Among the most necessary rights granted to Individuals by the Structure are the presumption of innocence and the appropriate to confront your accusers in courtroom,” Armacost stated. He added that he was charged “as a non-public citizen and enterprise proprietor” and stated neither his position as mayor nor his work with Hitchcock Unbiased Faculty District had been implicated.
“This case will probably be resolved in courtroom, 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 legal 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
