Hitchcock mayor among 23 arrested in Galveston County illegal gambling probe

In an important development, Galveston County authorities apprehended Hitchcock Mayor Christopher Armacost along with 22 other individuals on Wednesday. This action was part of an extensive investigation into illegal gambling activities, which culminated in the confiscation of 749 gaming machines, over $417,000 in cash, and eight firearms.

Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen announced that the Galveston County Organized Crime Task Force carried out search warrants at 20 locations believed to be involved in unlawful gambling activities, including Hitchcock City Hall. Officials have accused the game rooms of operating in contravention of state regulations.

Armacost, 44, faces charges related to organized crime. Authorities report that five gaming machines were seized from Comfort Zone Washateria in Hitchcock, owned by an individual whose identity has not been disclosed.

Fullen reported that he and Chief Deputy Melencio Villereal met with Armacost in October 2025, following numerous complaints from local businesses and residents about illegal gaming operations.

Officials expressed that they advised the city to address its issues; however, persistent complaints continued to flood their office. "We have officially commenced an investigation," Fullen stated.

Fullen has claimed that the city receives annual revenues ranging from $800,000 to $900,000 from the game rooms, which he asserts play a significant role in supporting the city’s budget. In the October meeting, Fullen reported that Armacost suggested the city was scaling back on permits for such establishments.

During a recent meeting, Fullen reported that the mayor indicated a commitment to making every effort to reduce the number of game room permits. “The data indicates that we reached 20 establishments, suggesting that the previous assumption was incorrect.”

Authorities have revealed that the investigation has exposed not only illegal gambling operations but also additional criminal activities.

“The trend extends beyond just local gaming establishments.” The situation introduces a criminal aspect. “We encountered issues related to prostitution and illegal narcotics trafficking. Additionally, we recovered weapons from several of these locations,” stated Fullen.

Nicholas Poehl, Armacost's defense attorney, issued a statement to Houston Public Media expressing his intention to contest the charges in court.

The state has charged me with offenses as a private citizen and business owner, Armacost stated. I want to clarify that my roles as mayor of Hitchcock and as an administrator for the Hitchcock Independent School District are not related to these allegations.

The City of Hitchcock announced in a news release on Thursday that officials are collaborating with investigators and granting access to relevant records. City Manager Marie Gelles emphasized the seriousness with which the city regards these allegations, stating, “The city takes these allegations very seriously.”

A spokesperson for Hitchcock Independent School District confirmed that Armacost continues to serve as assistant superintendent as the district conducts its review of the situation.

Galveston County District Attorney Kenneth Cusick announced that further arrests could occur as the investigation progresses.