Authorities in Galveston County arrested Hitchcock Mayor Christopher Armacost following a large investigation into alleged illegal gambling operations tied to gaming machines across several local businesses. Investigators executed search warrants across multiple sites, including City Hall, as part of a broader probe into suspected organized criminal activity.

Large-Scale Raids And Charges Filed

The case developed after deputies conducted undercover visits to a laundromat identified as Comfort Zone Washateria. Officers reported receiving cash payouts after playing video slot-style machines. Texas lawallows certain amusement devices but prohibits cash prizes, limiting rewards to non-cash items valued below five dollars.

Investigators said the business owner had links to the mayor through property records. Officials later included the site in a wider crackdown on illegal game rooms.

Law enforcement officers carried out searches at 21 locations connected to suspected gambling activities. The operation resulted in 33 arrests, according to authorities. Deputies seized 749 gaming machines, more than $417,000 in cash, and eight firearms during the enforcement action.

Armacost faces a felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. Court documents allege involvement in a business displaying illegal eight-liner machines and distributing cash prizes. Investigators also cited employee statements claiming he personally participated in certain payouts and maintained records of winnings.

According to Houston Chronicle, Sheriff Jimmy Fullen said his office began receiving complaints months before the raids. He stated, “We told them that the city needed to try to clean up their own problem but then the complaints kept coming to our office, so we finally went ahead and initiated an investigation.”

Officials indicated the investigation remains active, with potential for further arrests and additional charges. Prosecutors also confirmed authorities seized documents from City Hall that could lead to new developments.

District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said authorities intended to “detect, investigate, disrupt and prosecute” organized crime connected to illegal gambling.

Official Responses And Legal Statements

Through legal counsel, Armacost denied wrongdoing connected to his public roles. He stated, “Neither my work as mayor for the city of Hitchcock nor my work as an administrator for Hitchcock Independent School District have been implicated in these charges,” adding, “It is with that in mind that I intend to defend myself as a private citizen and decline to fight this case in the media.”

In a separate statement addressing the arrest, he said: “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 to test the strength of those accusations. I have been charged by the State with offenses as a private citizen and business owner. Neither my work as Mayor for the City of Hitchcock nor my work as an administrator for Hitchcock Independent School District has been implicated in these charges. It is with that in mind that I intend to defend myself as a private citizen, and decline to fight this case in the media. This case will be resolved in court, as is right and proper.”

City officials confirmed cooperation with investigators. City Manager Marie Gelles said, “The city takes these allegations very seriously,” and added, “We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public trust.” She also noted, “We will continue to assist law enforcement in every way possible while ensuring that essential city services remain uninterrupted for our residents.”

Authorities have conducted several gambling-related enforcement actions in the region in recent years. Earlier this year, police arrested 12 individuals after raids at nine properties. Federal prosecutors previously charged 16 people accused of operating dozens of illegal gaming rooms generating over $22 million.

Local authorities have raised concerns about links between illegal gaming venues and other criminal activity. Sheriff Fullen commented, “We’ve hired former officers from the Hitchcock Police Department that are giving us all this information about the robberies and the assaults that are happening outside these gaming establishments,” adding, “It brings a criminal element.”