A massive illegal gambling crackdown in Hitchcock, Texas, has resulted in 33 arrests, the seizure of hundreds of gaming machines, and the arrest of the city’s sitting mayor after investigators uncovered what authorities describe as an organized criminal operation spread across the city.
Investigators with the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force carried out 21 search warrants in Hitchcock on February 18. The coordinated effort included multiple suspected game rooms and, notably, City Hall. According to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation was launched after officials received numerous complaints from residents about unlawful gambling establishments operating in the city.
In an earlier statement shared by the sheriff’s office on Facebook, officials said the warrants were executed “on February 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.” and were part of “an extensive investigation into illegal gambling operations.” Authorities added that deputies served warrants “at 20 separate locations believed to be operating unlawful gambling establishments.”
City Hall was among the properties searched. The sheriff’s office explained that the City of Hitchcock was included “due to its regulatory responsibilities involving permitting, employee records, and inspections related to these businesses.” Residents were told to expect “a heightened law enforcement presence in the area, including personnel from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and multiple assisting agencies.”
Officials also urged caution during the operation, asking the public to “avoid areas where active operations are underway” and warning people not to cross police lines or interfere with investigators.
The sheriff’s office later announced that the operation led to 33 arrests, the seizure of 749 gambling machines, and the confiscation of more than $417,000 in cash believed to be tied to illegal gambling activity.
After the searches wrapped up, law enforcement took Hitchcock Mayor Chris Armacost into custody. Jail records identify him as Christopher Armacost, 44. He is charged with “Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (FS),” a felony offense. Authorities stressed that “the individual depicted here has been arrested but not convicted at the time of this posting. This information does not infer or imply guilt of any actions or activity other than their arrest.”
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators determined that one of the gambling establishments targeted in the operation, Comfort Zone Washateria, was owned and operated by Armacost.
City of Hitchcock responds to gambling investigation following mayor arrest
The City of Hitchcock addressed the situation in a formal statement dated Thursday (February 19). City officials confirmed they were aware of the law enforcement activity, including the search of City Hall.
“The City of Hitchcock is fully cooperating with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force as they conduct their investigation into illegal gambling operations,” the statement said.
City Manager Marie Gelles said staff members are turning over documents and making employees available to investigators. “Our administration is committed to complete transparency and is providing investigators with all requested access to permitting records, inspection reports, and personnel files to ensure a thorough and swift resolution,” Gelles said.
She stated: “The City takes these allegations very seriously. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public trust. We will continue to assist law enforcement in every way possible while ensuring that essential city services remain uninterrupted for our residents.”
When it comes to the mayor’s case, the city said it has little more it can share for now. “As this is an active criminal matter, the City cannot provide further comment on specific details of the case at this time,” the statement added.
Armacost serves as Hitchcock’s elected mayor, presiding over council meetings and acting as the city’s chief elected representative. City officials said they are reviewing “all legal and administrative protocols” connected to the matter.
The sheriff’s office said detectives are continuing to review evidence seized during the operation, including documents taken from City Hall, and warned that additional arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
ReadWrite reached out to Armacost’s attorney, Nicholas Poehl, who confirmed that Armacost’s first court appearance is scheduled for March 20.
In a statement provided to ReadWrite, Armacost said he intends to fight the charges in court and not in the media.
“Some of the most important rights granted to Americans by the Constitution are the presumption of innocence and the right to confront your accusers in court,” Armacost said. He added that he was charged “as a private citizen and business owner” and said neither his role as mayor nor his work with Hitchcock Independent School District had been implicated.
“This case will be resolved in court, as is right and proper,” he said.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and reiterated its commitment to dismantling illegal gambling operations and organized criminal activity throughout the county.
UPDATED: Additional information from Nicholas Poehl and Christopher Armacost statement added on February 20, 2026. The latest press release from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office was also added.
Featured image: Galveston County Consortium
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