City Hall raided by cops over massive illegal gambling ring as mayor hit with ‘organized crime’ charge
COPS stormed City Hall as a massive investigation into illegal gaming exploded into a political bombshell.
A mayor has been arrested on “organized crime” charges after deputies say they uncovered an illegal gambling ring.
Hitchcock, Texas, Mayor Christopher Armacost was arrested Wednesday evening as agents executed dozens of search warrants throughout the area.
Sheriff Jimmy Fullen confirmed that the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office arrested the mayor in connection with a major gambling bust.
Armacost is accused of engaging in organized criminal activity, records show.
Deputies said they executed 21 search warrants related to suspected illegal gambling.
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Those warrants covered 20 locations around Hitchcock, investigators said.
A search warrant was also served at Hitchcock City Hall, which oversees business permits and inspections.
Court documents obtained by ABC13 outline what led to the arrest.
Deputies said they received a tip about illegal gambling at the Comfort Zone Washateria, ABC affiliate KTRK reported.
They went to the company and reported seeing five eight-line machines.
Records indicate the deputies put $20 into two machines and accumulated approximately 40 and 70 credits.
They printed out receipts showing the amounts, then spoke to an attendant, documents show.
The attendant allegedly gave them money corresponding to the total amount of the ticket.
The next day, deputies returned with arrest warrants and searched the business.
Deputies said she showed them text messages between her and Armacost discussing the games.
Hitchcock City Statement
The City of Hitchcock is aware of law enforcement activities that occurred on February 18, 2026, involving the execution of search warrants at several locations throughout the City, including City Hall. The City of Hitchcock is fully cooperating with the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force in their investigation of illegal gaming operations.
Our administration is committed to full transparency and provides investigators with all requested access to permitting records, inspection reports, and personnel records to ensure a thorough and timely resolution.
“The City takes these allegations very seriously,” said Marie Gelles, City Manager. “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public trust. We will continue to assist law enforcement in any way we can while ensuring essential city services remain uninterrupted for our residents.”
Regarding the arrest of Mayor Chris Armacost, the City is currently reviewing all legal and administrative protocols. As this is an active criminal matter, the City cannot provide further comment on the specific details of the case at this time. We remain focused on our mission of serving the people of Hitchcock and will provide updates as more information becomes available through the appropriate legal channels.
Source: KTRK
Law enforcement was also seen at the Main Street laundromat during the operation.
State records list the business owner as Armacost Investments LLC.
Armacost also works for the school district, according to officials.
“Hitchcock ISD is aware of the recent arrest of Chris Armacost. He remains an employee of the district while we review all applicable information. As this is a personnel matter, the district cannot provide further comment.”
City officials said they were cooperating with investigators.
The City of Hitchcock said the arrest warrants were executed on February 18, 2026, including at City Hall.
The city said it was working with the sheriff’s office and the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force.
Officials said they provide access to permitting records, inspection reports and personnel files.
“The City takes these allegations very seriously,” said City Manager Marie Gelles.
“We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public trust. »
She added: “We will continue to assist law enforcement in any way we can while ensuring that essential city services remain uninterrupted for our residents. »
The city said it was reviewing legal and administrative protocols related to the mayor’s arrest.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to The US Sun’s request for comment.
