Hitchcock Mayor arrested after sweeping gambling investigation targets City Hall operations

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Booking photo of Christopher Armacost shown in a recent arrests graphic listing a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity, felony. Hitchcock Mayor arrested after sweeping gambling investigation targets City Hall operations

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 legal operation unfold throughout town.

Investigators with the Galveston County Organized Crime Process Drive 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 keeping with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation was launched after officers obtained quite a few complaints from residents about illegal playing institutions working within the metropolis.

In an earlier statement shared by the sheriff’s workplace on Fb, officers mentioned the warrants had been executed “on February 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.” and had been a part of “an intensive investigation into illegal gambling 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 “as a result of its regulatory duties involving allowing, worker information, and inspections associated to those companies.” Residents had been advised 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 companies.”

A collage of nighttime photos showing law enforcement officers standing in front of closed storefronts displaying signs that read “This Game Room Is Closed.” — Regulation enforcement officers posted closure notices at a number of unlawful sport rooms shut down in the course of the Hitchcock playing crackdown. Credit score: Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace by way of Fb

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 folks 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.

Booking photo of Christopher Armacost shown in a recent arrests graphic listing a charge of engaging in organized criminal activity, felony. — Christopher Armacost, 44, was arrested on a felony cost of participating in organized legal exercise, in line with reserving information. Credit score: Galveston County Consortium

After the searches wrapped up, legislation enforcement took Hitchcock Mayor Chris Armacost into custody. Jail records 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 keeping 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 statement 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 Process Drive as they conduct their investigation into unlawful playing operations,” the assertion mentioned.

Booking photos of nine individuals, including Hitchcock Mayor Christopher Armacost, charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and gambling-related offenses. — Hitchcock Mayor Christopher Armacost seems amongst these arrested within the sweeping unlawful playing investigation. Credit score: Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace by way of Fb

A grid of booking photos showing nine individuals arrested on gambling-related charges in Galveston County. — Dozens of suspects had been taken into custody in the course of the February 18 multi-agency enforcement motion. Credit score: Galveston County Sheriff’s Workplace by way of Fb

Metropolis Supervisor Marie Gelles mentioned employees members are turning over paperwork and making workers 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 mentioned.

She said: “The Metropolis takes these allegations very significantly. We’re devoted to sustaining the best requirements of integrity and public belief. We are going to proceed to help legislation enforcement in each manner potential whereas making certain that important metropolis companies stay uninterrupted for our residents.”

In relation to the mayor’s case, town mentioned it has little extra it could actually 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 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 evaluate proof seized in the course of 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 court docket look is scheduled for March 20.

In an announcement supplied to ReadWrite, Armacost mentioned he intends to struggle the fees 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 best 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 Unbiased 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 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

The publish Hitchcock Mayor arrested after sweeping gambling investigation targets City Hall operations appeared first on ReadWrite.

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